Seventeen-year-old Koyel Bar from Howrah, West Bengal, made history at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held at Ahmedabad by winning both the youth and junior women’s 53kg titles. Displaying extraordinary strength and determination, she equalled the youth world snatch record by lifting 85kg and broke the youth world clean & jerk record with an impressive 107kg.
Her combined total of 192kg set a new youth world record, surpassing the previous mark of 188kg. This remarkable achievement not only earned her double gold medals but also established her as a rising star in Indian and international weightlifting. The championships featured 291 athletes from 30 Commonwealth nations competing between August 24 and 30.
Record-Breaking Performance and Expert Praise
Koyel’s record-shattering lifts stunned spectators and experts alike. Her 85kg snatch matched the highest youth world record, while her clean & jerk of 107kg surpassed the earlier mark of 105kg, collectively giving her a new youth world total record of 192kg.
The national chief weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma praised her as a “physically strong and technically gifted athlete,” noting the scientific training and support that helped her reach this level of success. “Koyel’s consistent improvement over the last two years has been phenomenal.
We focused on building her technique and strength systematically,” he explained. Impressively, Koyel’s total beats even the senior category’s silver medalist Sneha Soren’s 185kg total, reflecting her tremendous potential at just 17 years old.
Training and Preparation Behind Koyel Bar’s Success
Koyel Bar’s journey to record-breaking glory is rooted in disciplined and focused training that transformed her performance significantly over recent years. She began weightlifting in 2018, inspired by her father’s gym routine, and steadily improved her skills and strength. Under the guidance of national chief coach Vijay Sharma, Koyel’s training emphasises technique, physical conditioning, and mental resilience.
Support and Celebrations from Home
Koyel’s inspiring feat received warm congratulations from various quarters, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She extended her heartfelt wishes, calling Koyel “our Bengal girl” who has made the state proud with her record-breaking performance.
The Chief Minister assured the athlete of the state government’s full support and announced plans to felicitate her for this outstanding achievement. Koyel’s journey began in 2018, inspired by her father’s fitness routine, and her rapid rise in weightlifting reflects growing investment in nurturing young talent in India. Her success at this championship is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Koyel Bar’s achievement exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, opportunity, and inclusive sports infrastructure in empowering young women.
At The Logical Indian, this accomplishment is more than a sporting success, it is a call to action for society to foster equality, nurture talent with empathy, and promote environments where young athletes can thrive. Encouraging more girls to participate in sports breaks traditional barriers and builds a culture of respect and harmony.
Koyel Bar sets new Youth World Record in #Weightlifting! 🔥🔥
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 26, 2025
The 17-year-old lifts a total of 192kgs (85 kg Snatch and 107kgs Clean & Jerk) to win Gold in youth women's 53kg category at the Commonwealth Championships. 🇮🇳🥇
🎥 DD Sports#WeightliftingChampionships2025 pic.twitter.com/i5OEGW9UyO
আমাদের বাংলার ঘরের মেয়ে, হাওড়ার বাসিন্দা কোয়েল বর আহমদাবাদে অনুষ্ঠিত ভারোত্তোলনের কমনওয়েলথ চ্যাম্পিয়নশিপে বিশ্বরেকর্ডের হ্যাটট্রিক করে জোড়া সোনা জিতে বাংলাকে গর্বিত করেছে। আমি ওকে আমার আন্তরিক অভিনন্দন ও ভালোবাসা জানাই।
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 27, 2025
ওর অভিভাবক, কোচ – সকলকে জানাই শুভেচ্ছা।
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