PNS | DEHRADUN
Manipur’s star weightlifter, S Bindyarani Devi won the gold medal and set a national record in the women’s 55 kilogrammes weightlifting category at the 38th National Games held here on Friday. She set a national record in the snatch segment during the competition.
According to officials, Devi, a Commonwealth silver medalist, overcame an initial setback in her first attempt at lifting 83 kilogrammes in the snatch category. Demonstrating resilience, she lifted 88 kilogrammes in her final attempt, successfully breaking the national record. Her dominance continued in the clean and jerk, where she lifted 107 kilogrammes in her first attempt. Although she faltered with 112 kilogrammes in her second attempt, she made a strong comeback, successfully lifting 113 kilogrammes in her final attempt. Her total lift of 201 kilogrammes was just one kilogramme short of her previous national record of 202 kilogrammes. With this victory, Devi now holds all three national records in the women’s 55 kilogrammes category: snatch, clean and jerk and total lift.
Speaking about her outstanding performance, Devi said, “I was well prepared, and I am happy with my performance. It’s always nice to have a record in your name. I’m glad that both the snatch and clean and jerk records are now in my name. My second attempt of 112 kilogrammes was not successful, so I decided it was better to finish with a strong lift. If that second attempt had been successful, I would have aimed for 115 kilogrammes. But it’s okay; I am happy with my performance.”
L Nilam Devi from Manipur secured the bronze medal, ensuring two podium finishes for the State. Despite facing early struggles in the snatch with two unsuccessful attempts at 80 kilogrammes and 81 kilogrammes, Nilam ultimately lifted 81 kilogrammes in her final attempt.
