Champion arm wrestler Tsai Wei-jen has another trophy under his belt. The strongman just won the Asian Open Cup 105-kilogramcategory. He triumphed against opponents from across the continent, despite weighing under the category weight. We spoke to Tsai about how he beat all those opponents who were taller and heavier. And we also got a sneak peek at his jaw-dropping training regime.
The judge lowers his hand and the fight begins.
Both wrestlers strain with all their might, one gripping the table, his foot lifting into the air. In just six seconds, it’s all over. Taiwan’s Tsai Wei-jen is the champion.
He shows off his shirt, which says “Taiwan.” Asia’s strongest arm wrestler hails from Formosa.
With his medal round his neck and Taiwan’s flag held aloft, Tsai’s ecstatic smile says it all.
Tsai Wei-jen
Arm wrestler
I’m so happy! My opponent was the Indonesian champion. The strongest arm wrestler in the whole of Indonesia. I’d never competed against him before. I overcame my nerves. Actually I have quite a lot of confidence in myself.
Tsai has many trophies under his belt.In 2017, he was crowned champion at the international arm-wrestling contest in Muar, Malaysia. In 2018, he triumphed at the Kuching World Cup. He came second in the 2019 world championships. But this year, the Asian Open was the next level. He competed in the 105-kilogram category, despite weighing just 80 kilograms, but triumphed over all his opponents.
Tsai Wei-jen
Arm wrestler
They were all taller and heavier than me, all bigger guys.
Tsai shows off a bicep curl with a 50-kilogram dumbbell. That’s just the warmup. His triceps can handle up to 100 kilograms. He hopes this Asian Open win is a credit to Taiwan.
Tsai Wei-jen
Arm wrestler
In 2015 and 2016, I went to compete in China, and I got the 80-kilogram trophy, and I wore the flag of Taiwan over my shoulders. Every time I go on the podium to win a trophy, it really moves me.
Winning is not just a matter of personal pride for Tsai. It’s an honor he wants to share with his country.