Weightlifter Thach Kim Tuan has broken the national record in the men's56kg snatch discipline at the National Youth Weightlifting Tournament inthe northern port city of Hai Phong .

HCM City 'sTuan, who won three silver medals at the World Youth Championships lastyear in Chiang Mai , Thailand , managed to lift 118kg, breaking theold 117kg record set at the National Sports Games last year.

Tuan's teammate, Nguyen Minh Quang, also broke three national recordsin the men's 105kg division when he managed to lift 134kg, 164kg and atotal of 298kg, the previous records being held by Hanoian Pham ManhHung.

After four days, the HCM City team took the leadwith 17 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals, followed by Hanoiwith 10 gold, 6 silver and 15 bronze medals, and the hosts Hai Phongwith six gold, three silver and one bronze.

Tuan, and hiscoach Huynh Huu Chi, will leave for Malaysia on June 26 to compete inthe World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Penang .

The 18-year-old athlete, who won gold at the Youth Olympics held inSingapore last August, will participate in the men's 56kg categorywith the hope of lifting 261kg in total.

Tuan's specialmoment took place at the Youth Olympics last year when he lifted 256kgin the boy's 56kg category at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall in Singapore ./.