Valluri Ajaya Babu Wins Silver in Weightlifting at Commonwealth Games
In an impressive display of strength and skill, Valluri Ajaya Babu added his name to the history of Indian sports by winning a silver medal in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This achievement comes 16 years after his father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, earned a bronze medal in the same event during the 2010 games in Delhi.
The 21-year-old from Andhra Pradesh lifted a total of 330kg, breaking a Commonwealth Games record with a 149kg snatch and completing a clean and jerk of 181kg. However, he narrowly lost the gold to Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad, who lifted a total of 331kg. England’s Chris Murray secured the bronze with a total of 325kg.
Ajaya Babu’s silver is not just another medal for India but a continuation of a family legacy built around the sport. He comes from Kondavelagada, a small village known for its strong weightlifting culture. Under the guidance of his father, Ajaya Babu entered the competition with confidence.
A Thrilling Competition
The contest was filled with excitement, especially during the clean and jerk phase. Ajaya Babu began strong, lifting 145kg easily in the snatch section. After a setback at 149kg, he returned to successfully lift it, placing him at the top before the clean and jerk.
In the clean and jerk, the battle for gold heated up as Muhammad set a new Games record with a 181kg lift. Ajaya Babu matched this lift on his final attempt, momentarily taking the lead with a total of 330kg. But Muhammad answered with a stunning 184kg lift, sealing his victory.
Ajaya Babu’s journey to this moment started with his gold medal win at the 2025 Commonwealth Championships, where he recorded his personal best of 335kg. His success has built on earlier wins, including two golds in the junior category at the 2024 Commonwealth Championships.
Although he missed out on the gold medal, Ajaya Babu’s performance has sparked pride in Indian weightlifting and strengthened his family’s sporting legacy.
India’s Weightlifting Medals at CWG 2026:
- Mirabai Chanu — Gold (Women’s 48kg)
- Valluri Ajaya Babu — Silver (Men’s 79kg)
- Gyaneshwari Yadav — Silver (Women’s 53kg)
- Chanambam Rishikanta Singh — Silver (Men’s 60kg)
- Muthupandi Raja — Silver (Men’s 65kg)
- Bindyarani Devi — Bronze (Women’s 58kg)
Ajaya Babu’s story is one of perseverance and familial pride, marking an important milestone in Indian weightlifting history.
