The championship, divided into juvenile and junior categories, will last till March 12.

Competing in the juvenile events are at least 170 boys and girls from 26 countries and region including the DPRK.

DPRK lifter Ri Song Gum set a new world record in 44 kg category by lifting 93 kg in the jerk on the first day of the championship.

She snatched 66 kg, coming first in total points to bag three gold medals.

Ri Hyon Hwa placed second and third in the jerk and snatch coming second in total points in the girls' 44 kg category while Kim Yong Gun placed second in the jerk and third in total points in the boys' 50 kg category.

Pak Jong Ju finished third in jerk and snatch respectively and came third in total points in the boys' 56 kg category.