Toan, who competed in the 56kg weight category, lifted a total of 280kg in both clean and jerk events combined, 2kg more than silver medallist Jadi Setiadi of Indonesia. 

“I am so surprised at the result,” Toan told VOV. “This is the best result that I have ever achieved.”

Coach Do Dinh Khang also said it came to him as a surprise that Toan took the gold medal.

“Both Thach Kim Tuan and Tran Le Quoc Toan are expected to win medals for Vietnam,” Khang said. “Unexpectedly Toan outplayed his rivals to snatch the gold medal.”

Meanwhile, Thach Kim Tuan – Vietnam’s most hopeful –came third, only lifting a total of 271kg.  

Weightlifting competitions are taking place at the Dempo Sport Complex in Palembang from November 18-21.