Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
The 38th National Games witnessed thrilling weightlifting action, with record-breaking performances and dominant displays across multiple categories. Athletes from various states showcased their strength and determination, setting new benchmarks in Indian weightlifting.
In the Women’s 81kg category, Vanshita Verma of Chandigarh secured the gold medal with a total lift of 208kg, successfully lifting 93kg in snatch and 115kg in clean and jerk. Manpreet from Punjab claimed silver with a total of 197kg (85kg snatch, 112kg clean and jerk), while Anjana Sreejith from Kerala took bronze with 196kg.
The Women’s 87kg event saw Tamil Nadu’s Arockiya Alish clinch gold with a total lift of 221kg, followed by Modhusmrita Baruah of Assam, who won silver with 208kg, and Usha of Karnataka, who secured bronze with 197kg.
In the Men’s 102kg category, Vaishav Shahaji Thakur of Maharashtra delivered a spectacular performance, breaking the national snatch record with a lift of 160kg, surpassing the previous mark of 157kg set by Jagadish Vishwakarma (SSCB). Before Vaishav’s record-breaking lift, Jagadish attempted 168kg but was unsuccessful. However, Jagadish outperformed overall and secured the gold medal, while Vaishav took silver.
“We have all grown up watching Jagadish bhai, and breaking his record in front of him is a dream come true. Though he beat me overall, today is special,” said Vaishav.
Jagadish, while acknowledging the loss of his record, praised the young lifter, stating, “I always tell the youngsters – don’t focus on medals, focus on breaking records! Vaishav did that today, but I am not done yet – this has fired me up even more!”
Haryana’s Harshit Sehrawat secured bronze in this category with a total lift of 329kg.
In the Men’s 109kg category, Rajasthan’s Harcharan Singh dominated the event, lifting 160kg in snatch and 187kg in clean and jerk, to secure the gold medal with a total of 347kg. Mohd Jameer Hussain (SSCB) won silver with a total of 337kg (150kg snatch, 187kg clean and jerk). Manish of Haryana attempted a national record of 193kg in clean and jerk but failed, settling for bronze with total lift of 331kg.
With record-breaking moments and intense competition, the 38th National Games continue to shine as a platform for India’s top weightlifters, showcasing the country’s growing strength in the sport.
Medal Tally (Weightlifting Events – February 2, 2025):
Women’s 81kg Category:
🥇 Gold: Vanshita Verma (Chandigarh) – 208kg
🥈 Silver: Manpreet (Punjab) – 197kg
🥉 Bronze: Anjana Sreejith (Kerala) – 196kg
Women’s 87kg Category:
🥇 Gold: Arockiya Alish (Tamil Nadu) – 221kg
🥈 Silver: Modhusmrita Baruah (Assam) – 208kg
🥉 Bronze: Usha (Karnataka) – 197kg
Men’s 102kg Category:
🥇 Gold: Jagadish Vishwakarma (SSCB)
🥈 Silver: Vaishav Shahaji Thakur (Maharashtra)
🥉 Bronze: Harshit Sehrawat (Haryana)
Men’s 109kg Category:
🥇 Gold: Harcharan Singh (Rajasthan) – 347kg
🥈 Silver: Mohd Jameer Hussain (SSCB) – 337kg
🥉 Bronze: Manish (Haryana) – 33
