Vishnu Chantree Triumphs with Three Gold Medals at Chan Games in Weightlifting

CHAN GAMES: Vishnu Chantree, a former Thai national weightlifter, made a triumphant return to competition by securing three gold medals at the 49th National Games, known as the Chan Games. Competing in the men's 67 kg weight class, Chantree demonstrated his prowess by lifting a snatch of 131 kg and a clean and jerk of 146 kg, culminating in a total weight of 277 kg. This remarkable performance took place at Chanthaburi Municipality School 1 and marked a significant achievement for Chantree, who had been sidelined by a shoulder injury. According to Thai News Agency, Chantree, who previously won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championship in Colombia and a gold medal at the 2022 SEA Games in Vietnam, expressed his delight at returning to competitive form. He stated his ambition to rejoin the national team for next year's SEA Games, which will be hosted by Thailand, though he acknowledged that his participation will depend on the association's decision. The silver medals in the weightlifting event were awarde d to Kritsada Wongsara from Bangkok, while Patiphan Buppha Mala from Sakon Nakhon claimed the bronze. In other events, the karate competition at Sriyanusorn School saw Maneewan Butsuwan from Sukhothai win gold in the female Kumite 68 kg weight class. Butsuwan edged out fellow Thai competitor Penpisut Namkhao from Nakhon Si Thammarat after a closely contested match that ended in a 4-4 tie and was decided by a 3-1 vote in favor of Butsuwan. The Chan Games also showcased the promising talent of Wirin Parasuwira from Bangkok, who recently transitioned to weightlifting and managed to secure two gold medals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the games. As the competition progresses, Bangkok leads the medal tally with 43 gold, 41 silver, and 42 bronze medals. Chanthaburi follows with 18 gold medals, Chonburi with 16, Samut Sakhon with 13, and Nakhon Ratchasima with 10.