Bangladesh's Ikra Wins Bronze in Weightlifting at ISG

Bangladesh's Marzia Akhter Ikra clinched a bronze medal in the women's 53kg weightlifting category at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On Saturday (November 8), Ikra lifted a combined 163kg in snatch and clean & jerk to secure the podium finish.

Eight women competed in the 53kg class. Turkey's Kansel lifted 188kg for gold, while Indonesia's Basila took silver with 174kg. Azerbaijan's Seizan finished fourth, four kg behind Ikra.

This marks Bangladesh's first medal at the 2025 games, after an archery bronze in the previous edition in Konya, Turkey. With archery and shooting absent this time, expectations were low, making Ikra's achievement a surprise boost.

Yesterday, Bangladesh's Bristi Pancham finished fifth in the 48kg category, and Ashiqur Rahman Taj sixth in the 60kg. Today (Sunday, November 9), two-time gold medalist Mabia Akter Simante competes in the 45kg event.

The games, held every four years, showcase Islamic nations in 35 sports. Bangladesh sent a 60-member contingent, focusing on weightlifting and athletics. Ikra's medal underscores the team's resilience amid limited preparation.