India bags 6 medals at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships; Valluri Ajaya Babu creates new Games record

India's Valluri Ajaya Babu won gold and also created a new Commonwealth record in clean and jerk for the 81 kg junior men's category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

Indian weightlifters delivered an outstanding performance on the third day of the 2024 Commonwealth Youth, Junior, and Senior (Men & Women) Weightlifting Championships in Suva, Fiji.

Securing a total of six medals, the Indian contingent showcased their talent and determination, with impressive performances across various categories.

In addition to his Commonwealth record, Valluri Ajaya Babu also broke national records in the snatch (147 kg), clean and jerk (179 kg), and total weight lifted (326 kg), marking a historic achievement for the young weightlifter. His remarkable feat put him in the spotlight, as his contributions added significantly to India's medal tally.

The Indian team’s success did not stop there. Sairaj Pardeshi also had an exceptional day, securing a gold medal in the 81 kg men’s youth category and a silver in the junior section. His lifts of 134 kg in snatch and 165 kg in clean and jerk helped him clinch both medals.

Apart from Valluri Ajaya Babu and Pardeshi, other Indian lifters made their mark as well. In the men's 89 kg junior category, Hrudananda Das bagged a bronze medal in the junior section and a silver in the youth section, lifting 129 kg in snatch and 170 kg in clean and jerk.

Similarly, Lalruatfela contributed to the medal haul by winning silver in the men’s 89 kg junior and senior category, with a lift of 135 kg in the snatch and 166 kg in the clean and jerk.

---

IWF president Sahdev Yadav praises Valluri Ajaya Babu and other athletes

Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) president Sahdev Yadav praised the dedication of both the athletes and their coaches. He commended the team for their hard work.

“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,” Sahdev Yadav was quoted as saying in a media release.

Day 3 Results

Sairaj Pardeshi (81 kg) – Gold in Youth, Silver in Junior (Snatch: 134 kg, Clean and Jerk: 165 kg)

Valluri Ajaya Babu (81 kg) – Gold in Junior and Senior (Snatch: 147 kg, Clean and Jerk: 179 kg)

Hrudananda Das (89 kg) – Silver in Youth, Bronze in Junior (Snatch: 129 kg, Clean and Jerk: 170 kg)

Lalruatfela (89 kg) – Silver in Junior and Senior (Snatch: 135 kg, Clean and Jerk: 166 kg)