Competing in their home country generates both motivation and pressure for the athletes, particularly Vietnamese weightlifters, who will have to face fierce competition from strong opponents like Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Pham Thi Hong Thanh, who will compete in the women’s 64kg weight category, joins an exercise session with her coach.

Warming up before lifting weights.

Building strength with heaving lift training.

Coach Luu Van Thang of the Vietnamese weightlifting team.

Weightlifting is a sport that requires a high amount of strength and power.

The sport can cause injuries for weightlifters during training and competition.