Dedication the key to world record lift, says Moradi

"I have worked very hard and devoted my life to weightlifting, training non-stop three times a day," the Iranian said.

"I allocate my time only to weightlifting, nothing else. This is the secret of my success. The world record is the result of these efforts."

Moradi eclipsed a record that had stood since 1999 by lifting a total of 413kg, one more than Akakios Kakhiasvilis of Greece managed in Athens.

"One of my goals in life was to win the Olympic Games gold medal because this is very important for every athlete," said Moradi, who lifted 185kg in the snatch and 228kg in the clean and jerk.

"Another goal was to break the world record and I have done that in Ashgabat ... I am delighted to set a new world record – it was one of my wishes this year."

(Reporting by Amlan Chakraborty in New Delhi; editing by Peter Rutherford)