China has won its first gold medal during the opening day of the Beijing Olympics, with weightlifter Chen Xiexia winning the women’s 48kg weightlifting event.

Clearing all six attempts in the event, Chen set Olympic records along the way, with weights of 212kg in the lift and 117kg in the clean-and-jerk.

“I have been thinking of winning a medal but never thought it would turn out to be the first gold medal for China,” Chen said after receiving her medal.

“This is a competition on the home court. I had the special support of the audience, especially from the Chinese audience, and so I don't think I was under great pressure.”

Sibzel Ozkan of Turkey won the silver medal, and Wei-Ling Chen of Taiwan claimed the bronze.

The women’s 48kg weightlifting is one of seven events where a gold medal will be awarded on the opening day.

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Tags: beijing olympics, sport