New Delhi: Indian weightlifter Preetismita Bhoi made headlines by setting a new world record in the youth clean and jerk category at the IWF World Youth Championships. The 15-year-old lifted 76 kg in the women’s 40 kg category, surpassing the previous record of 75 kg and earning a gold medal. Bhoi’s total lift of 133 kg, which included a 57 kg snatch, narrowly missed the youth world standard by just 2 kg on the opening day of the competition.
The event was a great moment for India, with a 1-2 finish in the women’s 40 kg category. Jyoshna Sabar claimed the silver medal with a combined lift of 125 kg, lifting 56 kg in the snatch and 69 kg in the clean and jerk. Turkey’s Fatma Kolcak secured the bronze with a total lift of 120 kg (55 kg in snatch and 65 kg in clean and jerk).
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Expressing her excitement, Preetismita Bhoi stated, “I am honored and thrilled to have set a new world record. This is a dream come true, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my coaches, family, and the Indian Weightlifting Federation. I hope this inspires other young athletes to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work.”
India’s success extended beyond the 40 kg category. Payal earned a silver medal in the women’s 45 kg event with a total lift of 147 kg, consisting of 65 kg in the snatch and 82 kg in the clean and jerk. She was surpassed only by Colombian Lawren Estrada, who won gold with a combined total of 151 kg (67 kg in snatch and 84 kg in clean and jerk), securing her second world title.
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In the men’s 49 kg category, Babulal Hembrom added to India’s medal tally with a bronze medal, lifting a total of 193 kg. Hembrom’s performance included 86 kg in the snatch and 107 kg in the clean and jerk, solidifying India’s prominent presence on the global weightlifting stage.
These achievements highlight the exceptional talent and hard work of India’s young weightlifters, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.