Unexpected Victory: Theerapong reveals two behind-the-scenes challenges that nearly cost him the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
On 24 September 2026, Fang Theerapong Silachai, a Thai national weightlifter, gave an interview after competing in the men's 60-kilogram weightlifting event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where he successfully won the bronze medal.
Theerapong Silachai lifted 126 kilograms in the snatch on his third attempt, and "Fang" lifted 173 kilograms in the clean and jerk on his second attempt, totaling 299 kilograms.
This result placed Fang Theerapong Silachai third, earning the bronze medal in the men's 60-kilogram category at the 2026 Asian Games. It was his first Asian Games medal. The gold went to Yang Yang (China) with a total of 304 kg, and the silver to Bang Eun-chol (North Korea) with 301 kg.
However, Fang Theerapong Silachai admitted he nearly missed winning the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games due to injuries in both knees just 2-3 weeks before the competition, and he also felt pressured during the snatch event because of his previous poor performance.
Theerapong opened up, saying, "I didn’t expect to win a medal today because about two to almost three weeks before the competition, I injured both knees, which lowered my confidence."
"But I kept fighting throughout, and getting the bronze is okay. I put too much pressure on myself during the snatch because last time I failed all my snatch attempts and had to withdraw from the competition."
"I missed the first snatch attempt, so the pressure from the last event made me a bit nervous, but I composed myself and managed to lift it."