Weightlifter Kubo finishes 5th in Uzbekistan

Feb 12, 2020

Kubo's performance earns him 19 ranking points.

WEIGHTLIFTING

Uganda national team weightlifter Zubair Kubo has missed out on a medal at the 6th Islamic International Weightlifting Silver Championship in Uzbekistan, after finishing 5th in the 96kg category.

But the buff athlete registered an improvement at the international meet. He added 4kg on the total he made at the All Africa Games in Morocco last year as he chases for qualification to the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Kubo's performance earns him 19 ranking points. He remains confident he will secure one of the 60 slots for Africa for Tokyo Olympics qualification.

"We shall know the final rankings and points after the event," he said.

"Although I did not get a medal, the way is still open to collect more points in the two championships ahead. We have one in Nairobi and another in Mauritius before the qualification window closes in May," he added.

Kubo lifted a total of 305kg, snatching 130kg and making 175kg in clean and jerk.

Salim Musoke, the president of the Uganda Weightlifting Federation, said it is difficult now to anticipate qualification because the IWF jury shall have to sit first to consider the individual performances of the athletes.

"It [Kubo's performance] was good. We know he has progressed because adding four kilogrammes is a good achievement," he said.

The mission of the national team - Crane Lifters - to the world event has resulted into three bronze medals brought on board by 55kg lifter Davis Nyiyoyita.

Hakim Ssempereza (category 73) also finished fifth as Mubarak Kivumbi was 6th in the 61kg category.

The team is due to return on Saturday.


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