During the nationwide social distancing period, Da Nang’s weightlifters stayed focused on weightlifting workouts at home in order to build muscle and increase strength.

Local young weightlifter Nguyen Van Duc

Since the national social distancing measures were eased on 23April, local weightlifters have returned to training in preparation for forthcoming national and international sports competitions.

Coach Phan Van Thien said the city’s Weightlifting Club has now a total of 45 members. All of them are hoping to get the highest possible achievement in upcoming sports competitions at both home and abroad. The main reason is thought that as they have gained very optimistic results from last year’s sports events and during their training period.

In particular, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan won three gold medals in the women’s 78kg category in the 2019 National Weightlifting Championship.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Van Duc set a new national record and took a gold medal in the clean and jerk event in the men's 96kg category, whilst Nguyen Thanh Binh grabbed a silver medal in the men’s 89kg category.

Coach Thien pointed out a shortcoming that daily meals have yet to meet the weightlifters’ nutritional needs.

He added, in weightlifting, performance is based on the ability to produce short explosive bursts of power which relies almost completely on the anaerobic energy system. Other energy systems will also be used between lifts and during some training sessions to replenish the muscles with fuel. Good balanced nutrition is essential to optimise muscle recovery and repair.

Mr Thien underscored the necessity for leaders of the municipal sports sector to ensure proper nutrition for weightlifters in order to help them strengthen their physical health.

By NGUYEN AN - Translated by MAI DUNG