RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE: Talha Talib broke all previous national records in snatch and clean and jerk with a total of 287kg-lift during his seventh-place performance in the Asian Games. PHOTO: AFP

JAKARTA/ KARACHI: Pakistani teenager Talha Talib finished seventh, but managed to make a history for the country in the 62kg weightlifting event as he lifted broke the Commonwealth record by lifting 154kgs in clean and jerk.



The 18-year-old was leading his Group B with 287 kg, but lost his chances at any of the medals.



He was competing against more experienced athletes, however the future is in his favour as it was the last time that the players are competing at the 62kg event.



The International Weightlifting Federation will abolish the category to replace it with 67kg.



"Of course there were other athletes, but this is the last record for the 62kg category that Talha has made, it is historic in a way," the Pakistan Weightlifting Federation official Rashed Malik told The Express Tribune. "Talha lifted 154kg in clean and jerk and improved by one kilogram from his Commonwealth record. It is huge for him because he is just 18 years old and in the future it will be easier for him to carry on since to compete at the 62kg events, Talha will have to lose two kilograms of his natural weight. In the future events he will have an edge."



Talha is a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, while at the Asian Games he lifted 287kgs in total, with 133kgs in snatch. His clean and jerk, snatch and total weights lifted are also a new national record.



South Korea’s Son wary of tough competition



Son Heung-min has warned South Korea face a tough run to the Asian Games final after failing to top their group, as he bids for a gold that could save his career from being derailed by military service.



Son's volley in a 1-0 win against Kyrgyzstan fired his team into the last 16 of the regional Olympics Monday, setting up a clash with fellow heavyweights Iran — the tournament's top-ranked team.



Nothing less than gold will be enough to exempt Son, 26, from his 21-month compulsory military service, and he warned his young team-mates they will need to be more clinical in front of goal.



"The Iran team are very strong. We need to prepare very well," said Son. "We are all professional players, so I think they should learn by themselves — I don't think I need to say anything to them. But we know what we need to improve on for the next game."



South Korea finished second in their group after a shock loss to Malaysia.



Victory against Iran on Thursday would likely see South Korea face a highly rated Uzbekistan side in the quarter-finals.



"Iran and another strong team Uzbekistan could both be the champion for this tournament," Son added. "We all have the chance to get the gold medal."