The IWF World Youth Championships witnessed a historic day as Sergei Plotnikov of Russia claimed the men’s 65kg world title, ending Russia’s long wait for an officially recognized world champion, while Nicoleta Cojocaru of Moldova shattered two world records to dominate the women’s 58kg category.
In a thrilling men’s 65kg final, 17-year-old Sergei Plotnikov produced a flawless performance, successfully completing all six of his lifts with totals of 122kg in snatch, 153kg in clean and jerk, and 275kg overall. Entering his final lift trailing Venezuela’s David Linares by two kilograms after Linares made a dramatic 8kg increase on his last attempt, Plotnikov held his nerve to secure victory and become Russia’s first officially recognized world champion.
The triumph marked an emotional moment as the Russian national anthem was played at an International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) competition for the first time in five years. The achievement follows a prolonged period during which Russian athletes faced international suspensions and neutrality regulations, limiting their participation on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Nicoleta Cojocaru of Moldova delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s 58kg event, winning by a commanding margin while establishing two new world records. Her remarkable lifts highlighted the rising standard of youth weightlifting and reinforced Moldova’s growing presence in international competition.
