The 65-kilogram weight category unfolded under the dominance of Turkish weightlifters.

20 April, 2026

On the second day of competition at the Batumi European Championships, the second set of medals among men was contested, where Turkish and Bulgarian lifters once again delivered strong results.

In the 65-kilogram weight category, Turkey’s Furkan Özbek was the best, opening his campaign with a silver medal in the snatch (143). He followed it up with a gold medal in the clean and jerk, setting a European record of 180 kilograms, and, of course, secured the championship with a total of 323 kilograms.

Bulgaria’s Ivan Dimov opened his European Championships campaign with a gold medal in the snatch (145). He recorded the second-best result in the clean and jerk (172), and also earned the silver medal in the total (317).

Third place went to Turkey’s Ferdi Hardal, who lifted 135 kilograms in the snatch. “He recorded the fourth-best result in the clean and jerk (158). With a total of 293 kilograms, he stepped onto the third step of the podium.

Among the medalists was Italy’s Sergio Massidda, who, after failing all three attempts in the snatch, managed to claim a bronze medal in the clean and jerk (171).