Bindyarani Devi Wins Bronze in Weightlifting at Commonwealth Games
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s Bindyarani Devi secured a bronze medal in the women’s 58kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow on Monday. Competing in a higher weight class for the first time, Bindyarani’s achievement adds to India’s growing medal tally in weightlifting.
Competition Highlights
The Birmingham 2022 silver medallist moved up from the 55kg category and achieved a total lift of 199kg, comprising 87kg in the snatch and 112kg in the clean and jerk. This victory marks her as a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist and is India’s fifth medal in weightlifting at the current Games.
Nigeria’s Rafiatu Folashade Lawal shone brightly in the event, breaking Commonwealth records and setting a new Games record. Lawal lifted an impressive 103kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 229kg. Canada’s Ann-Sophie Taschereau took home the silver with a total lift of 215kg.
Bindyarani’s Performance
Throughout the competition, Bindyarani stayed competitive despite trailing behind the leaders. She made successful lifts of 83kg, 85kg, and 87kg in the snatch, finishing in a strong position. Her efforts in the clean and jerk came after a challenging start; her first lift of 110kg was disqualified after a review. However, she rebounded by lifting 112kg but fell short on her final two attempts at 116kg. Nonetheless, her determination paid off as she secured the bronze.
Bindyarani previously made a mark at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she set a Games record with a clean and jerk lift of 116kg while competing in the 55kg category.
A Glimpse into Bindyarani’s Journey
Born on January 27, 1999, in Imphal, Manipur, Bindyarani’s athletic journey began with taekwondo before shifting to weightlifting in 2013. Her dedication led her through various training stages, including a place at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala in 2019.
Her rise in the sport includes winning the IWLF Youth National Championships in 2016 and earning gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2019. That same year, she clinched her first international title at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
Despite facing challenges with knee injuries in 2023, which hindered her training, Bindyarani made an impressive comeback. She broke national records at the National Games and continued to excel, securing a place in the Indian squad for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Bindyarani’s latest bronze medal showcases her resilience and passion for the sport, affirming her place as one of India’s celebrated weightlifters.
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