Indian weightlifters dominated the 2024 Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior (Men & Women) Weightlifting Championships in Suva, Fiji, showcasing their immense strength and talent. The team secured a commendable six medals, a testament to their dedication and rigorous training.
Leading the charge was Valluri Ajaya Babu, who delivered a truly remarkable performance in the 81 kg junior men’s category. He not only secured gold but also etched his name in the history books by establishing a new Commonwealth record in clean and jerk. His exceptional performance didn’t stop there. He also shattered national records in snatch (147 kg), clean and jerk (179 kg), and total weight (326 kg), solidifying his dominance in the competition.
Sairaj Pardeshi added to India’s medal haul with a gold medal win in the men’s 81kg junior category, while also claiming a silver medal in the youth category. Hrudananda Das and Lalruatfela further contributed to the team’s success, securing bronze and silver medals respectively in the men’s 89 kg junior category.
The Indian Weightlifting president, Sahdev Yadav, expressed immense pride and appreciation for the athletes’ achievements. He lauded the dedication of the Indian coaches who played a pivotal role in guiding the athletes to success. “I would like to congratulate all the weightlifters and coaches accompanied with the team for putting on a good show during the 2024 Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior (Men & Women) Weightlifting Championships,” he said in a media release.
The team’s performance is a testament to the growing strength of Indian weightlifting. Their success on the international stage serves as an inspiration for young athletes and further solidifies India’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of weightlifting.
