India reach tally of 32 medals after Day 4 of Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships

The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships are underway in Gold Coast, Australia and, so far, India has left no stone unturned when it comes to winning medals. After the fourth day of the tournament, India’s medal tally stands at a staggering count of 32 across the senior, youth and junior categories. It must be kept in mind that the senior medals achieve direct qualification for the Commonwealth Games next year.

Out of the 32 medals, 21 were Gold. Day 3 began for India with a bronze medal in 58kg senior women’s section after Saraswati Rout lifted a total of 179kg (82kg + 97kg). Erra Deexitha won a gold in 58kg junior women’s section with a total lift of 167kg (73kg + 94kg). Deepak Lather’s efforts, however, were commendable. The 16-year-old has, so far, amassed three medals- a silver, a gold and a bronze. He lifted a total of 295 Kg (125kg snatch + 157 clean and jerk) to win the Gold in the Youth category. Likewise, with the same total lift weight, he won a gold in the junior category and a bronze in the senior category. The youngster has certainly grabbed a lot of attention with his impressive display. He will be a force to reckon with in the upcoming Commonwealth Championships.

Vandna Gupta won a bronze medal in the senior women’s 63kg category. P Umeshwori won a silver each in youth girls’ and junior women’s 63kg categories.

India’s weightlifter at the Rio Olympics and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu bagged gold with a total lift of 189kg (85kg snatch + 104kg clean and jerk)

By the end of the tournament, it is hoped that India will successfully increase their medal count to establish themselves as a major competitor. With the Commonwealth Games almost at the door, the Championships is certainly good practice and the tournament, in turn, provides a good perspective into India’s standing in the rest of the world.