New Delhi: Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu produced a remarkable performance to win the silver medal in the men’s 79kg event at the Commonwealth Games, continuing India’s impressive run in weightlifting at the competition.
The 21 year old lifter from Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district lifted a total of 330kg, finishing just one kilogram behind Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad in a dramatic contest for the gold medal. England’s Chris Murray claimed the bronze with a total lift of 325kg.
Ajaya Babu made a strong start by setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a successful lift of 149kg. He entered the clean and jerk segment in first place, ahead of Murray, who lifted 148kg, and Hidayat, who managed 147kg.
The battle intensified during the clean and jerk, with records falling repeatedly. Hidayat initially set a new Games record with a lift of 181kg before Ajaya matched the effort in his final attempt, taking his overall total to 330kg. However, the Malaysian produced a stunning 184kg lift on his final attempt to finish with a Games record total of 331kg and secure the gold medal.
Ajaya’s silver added another medal to India’s successful weightlifting campaign at the Games, taking the country’s tally in the sport to six.
The young Indian’s performance highlighted his growing reputation on the international stage, as he displayed remarkable composure under pressure and pushed the eventual champion until the final lift of the competition.
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