ROC (Taiwan) athlete Hsu Shu-ching today broke the world record for women's 53-kilogram (kg) weightlifting with a combined score of 233 kg, winning the national team's first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Hsu lifted 101 kg in the snatch and 132 kg in the clean and jerk. Her gold medal is also the first the nation has ever earned in Asian Games women's weightlifting history.
Premier Jiang Yi-huah and Minister of Education Wu Se-hwa have sent congratulatory messages to Hsu. The premier praised her excellent performance and called her "the pride of the nation."
Immediately after hearing the good news, President Ma Ying-jeou also sent a message to Hsu lauding her outstanding performance. The president encouraged her to continue to strive for her best to win more victories in the future.
The Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education will award Hsu NT$3 million (US$100,000) for winning the gold medal, in accordance with the Regulations for Issuance of Guo Guang Medals and Scholarships for outstanding athletes.
The 17th Asian Games are being held from September 19 through October 4. So far, the ROC has earned one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the competition.