India’s Valluri Ajaya Babu won the silver medal in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after lifting a combined 330kg (149kg in snatch and 181kg in clean and jerk). The 21-year-old from Kondavelagada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district finished just 1kg behind Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad, who won gold with a Games record total of 331kg, while England’s Chris Murray claimed bronze with 325kg.
Ajaya’s silver came 16 years after his father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, won bronze at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, making it a memorable father-son achievement for Indian weightlifting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ajaya, saying he had made the nation proud with his performance.
One Kilogram Short Of Gold
The men’s 79kg final was decided by the narrowest of margins. Ajaya successfully lifted 149kg in the snatch and 181kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 330kg. His 149kg snatch set a Commonwealth Games record before the competition progressed. Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad then lifted 184kg in the clean and jerk to finish with an overall total of 331kg, securing the gold medal by a single kilogram. England’s Chris Murray completed the podium with 325kg.
Ajaya’s medal added to India’s weightlifting tally at the Glasgow Games and was among the country’s medal-winning performances in the sport.
From Kondavelagada To The Commonwealth Podium
Ajaya Babu hails from Kondavelagada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district, a region known for producing several weightlifters. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, who represented India and won bronze in the men’s 56kg category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Before Glasgow 2026, Ajaya won gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, earning qualification for the Commonwealth Games. His silver medal in Glasgow is his first medal at the Commonwealth Games and marks another milestone in his international career.
A Family Legacy On The Commonwealth Stage
Ajaya’s silver has drawn attention to a unique family achievement in Indian sport. Sixteen years after Valluri Srinivasa Rao stood on the Commonwealth Games podium with a bronze medal, his son returned to the same competition and won silver in a different weight category. The achievement reflects two generations of the same family winning medals for India at the Commonwealth Games.
Congratulating Ajaya on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the weightlifter had made India proud with his performance and praised his record-setting effort in the snatch. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also congratulated Ajaya, describing his achievement as a proud moment for both the state and the country.
Sheer strength on show! 🥈
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 28, 2026
Many congratulations to Khelo India athlete Valluri Ajaya Babu on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 79kg Weightlifting.
With a total lift of 330kg, he also set a Commonwealth Games record in the Snatch. A memorable performance and another proud… pic.twitter.com/GMCQPQtIvm
India’s Weightlifting Campaign In Glasgow
Ajaya Babu’s silver added to an impressive campaign for Indian weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. India has secured medals across multiple weight categories, with Mirabai Chanu winning gold in the women’s 48kg event, Raja Muthupandi claiming silver in the men’s 65kg category, Bindyarani Devi earning bronze in the women’s 58kg event, Ajaya Babu taking silver in the men’s 79kg category, and Ishikanta Singh adding another medal in the men’s 71kg event.
The performances have highlighted India’s depth in weightlifting, with experienced athletes such as Mirabai Chanu continuing to deliver on the biggest stage while younger lifters, including Ajaya Babu, have made their mark in Glasgow. Ajaya’s silver also strengthened India’s overall medal tally in weightlifting at the Games.
More glory for India in Weightlifting!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2026
Delighted that Valluri Ajaya Babu brings home the Silver Medal in the Men’s 79 kg category at the Glasgow games. He has also etched his name in the record books by setting a CWG Record in the Snatch event. Congratulations to him and all the… pic.twitter.com/APBtXfj1nN
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Valluri Ajaya Babu’s silver medal is a celebration of dedication, perseverance and the value of mentorship across generations. His journey, alongside his father’s earlier achievement, shows how sporting excellence can inspire families and communities alike. Stories like these also highlight the importance of nurturing young talent through sustained support, quality coaching and equal opportunities, regardless of where an athlete comes from. What more can be done to help talented athletes from smaller towns and villages reach the international stage?
