Indian Weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu Breaks Records, Wins Gold at Commonwealth Championships

Indian Weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu Breaks Records, Wins Gold at Commonwealth Championships

Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu has etched his name in the history books by securing a remarkable gold medal in both the junior and senior categories of the men’s 81kg event at the Commonwealth Championships in Suva, Fiji. The 19-year-old prodigy showcased an exceptional performance, lifting a total of 326kg (147kg snatch + 179kg clean and jerk).

Babu’s triumph was not just limited to the gold medal; he also set a new Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk for the 81kg junior category. Additionally, he shattered the junior national records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight sections.

Compatriot Sairaj Pardeshi also made his mark by claiming the youth gold in the same category while finishing second in the junior section behind Babu. In the men’s 89kg event, Lalruatfela secured the silver medal with a best effort of 301kg (135kg snatch + 166kg clean and jerk). Hrudananda Das, lifting 299kg (129kg snatch + 170kg clean and jerk), clinched the silver medal in the youth category and the bronze in the junior section.

Babu’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination. He has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired aspiring weightlifters across the nation. His performance serves as a reminder that with perseverance and belief, anything is possible.

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification from Olympics

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification from Olympics

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal against her disqualification from the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024. In a detailed 24-page verdict, CAS described the United World Wrestling’s (UWW) rules for punishing athletes who fail the second-day weigh-in as “draconian” but ultimately upheld the decision to disqualify Phogat.

Phogat had cleared the weigh-in process on the first day of her event but was found 100gm overweight on the second day, the day of her gold medal bout. As per UWW rules, wrestlers must clear the weigh-in on both days of the competition. While the UWW allows a 2kg weight tolerance in many international competitions, there is no such buffer at the Olympics.

In her appeal, Phogat argued that she should be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the summit clash following her disqualification. However, CAS dismissed her appeal, stating that it was Phogat’s responsibility to ensure she was under the permissible limit during both days of the competition.

CAS acknowledged that the consequences of failing the second weigh-in were severe, but it emphasized that Phogat had voluntarily entered the 50kg weight category and was aware of the weight requirements. The court also noted that Phogat had previously competed under the UWW rules and had not raised any concerns about the weight requirements.

Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics was a major disappointment for India, as she had become the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. Her stunning victory over legendary Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki had raised hopes of a medal, but her disqualification shattered those dreams.

Despite the CAS ruling, Phogat has received a hero’s welcome upon her return to India. Her performance at the Olympics has inspired many young wrestlers and demonstrated her resilience and determination.

Bulgarian Weightlifter Karlos Nasar Shatters World Record, Lifts 400 Kilograms

Bulgarian Weightlifter Karlos Nasar Shatters World Record, Lifts 400 Kilograms

Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar made history at the Olympics on Friday, becoming the lightest man to lift 400 kilograms in competition. The 20-year-old shattered the men’s 89kg weightlifting world record, setting a new benchmark for the sport.

Nasar’s journey to the record-breaking moment was not without its challenges. Tied for first after the snatch round, he delayed his entry into the clean and jerk until most of his rivals had exhausted their attempts. With his first lift, he effortlessly hoisted 213 kilograms over his head, securing the gold medal.

Undeterred, Nasar set his sights on the world record. With two attempts remaining, he opted to aim high. Pausing briefly with the bar on his chest, he grinned before hoisting a record-breaking 224 kilograms over his head. The total of 404 kilograms was another world record.

Nasar’s victory was not just a physical triumph but also a testament to his mental fortitude. He has reportedly lifted even greater weights in training, demonstrating his exceptional strength and determination. “I have visualized the win many times and I succeeded each time,” he said.

Despite his success, Nasar remains humble. When asked if he was playing to the camera, he grinned, “Sometimes the emotions that I show, I cannot control. Sometimes I don’t even remember what happened on the stage.”

Colombian Yeison Lopez took second place with a total of 390 kilograms, while Italian Antonino Pizzolato secured a dramatic bronze after a successful appeal following a video review.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Nasar’s personal life has also garnered attention. He plans to attend the rhythmic gymnastics competition on Saturday to support his girlfriend, Magdalina Minevska.

Weightlifting has faced criticism for its association with doping, but Nasar’s charismatic personality and exceptional talent could help change the sport’s image. Despite a troubled past involving drug-related charges and an Achilles tendon injury, Nasar has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport.

Indian Athletes Disappointed on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024

Indian Athletes Disappointed on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024

Indian Athletes Face Disappointment on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024

Day 12 of the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 brought mixed fortunes for Indian athletes, with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu narrowly missing out on a bronze medal and wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the gold medal match.

Weightlifting

Mirabai Chanu, India’s weightlifting star, had a disappointing outing in the women’s 49kg category. She lifted 88kg in snatch, putting her in contention for a medal. However, she could only manage 111kg in clean and jerk, resulting in a total lift of 199kg. This placed her fourth overall, just short of a historic second Olympic medal.

Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey came to an abrupt end when she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg gold medal match for failing to make weight. She was reportedly found to be 100gm overweight on the morning of the bout. Phogat, who had been a medal contender, expressed her disappointment on social media, announcing her retirement from wrestling.

Table Tennis

India’s women’s table tennis team, consisting of Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Ghosh, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals. The team had a strong start, winning the first game, but Germany fought back to claim the next three games and advance to the semi-finals.

Athletics

In athletics, Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final with a time of 8:14:18s. Jyothi Yarraji placed seventh in the women’s 100m hurdles heats. Other Indian athletes, including Sarvesh Kushare, Suraj Panwar, Priyanka Goswami, and Annu Rani, failed to qualify for their respective finals.

Mirabai Chanu Finishes Fourth in Paris, Battling Fitness Issues

Mirabai Chanu Finishes Fourth in Paris, Battling Fitness Issues

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Paris Games, placing fourth in the 49kg division on Wednesday. Despite battling persistent fitness issues, Chanu showcased her resilience and determination throughout the competition.

Chanu’s journey to Paris was marked by a series of setbacks, including a hip tendonitis injury sustained at the Asian Games. To address recurring muscle imbalances, she sought the expertise of strength and conditioning expert Dr. Aaron Horschig in St. Louis, USA.

In the 12-woman contest, Chanu faced formidable competition from lifters with entry weights of 200kg or more. Her total lift of 199kg proved insufficient to secure a medal.

Chanu opened with a successful 85kg snatch, equaling her personal best in her third attempt. However, she failed to lift 88kg in her second attempt. In the clean and jerk, Chanu initially listed 107kg but increased it to 111kg after witnessing Cambei’s effortless 106kg lift.

Despite a strong first attempt, Chanu missed her second throw. She returned for a 111kg lift, which she successfully executed. However, her total lift of 199kg placed her third at that stage, behind Cambei and Zhihui.

Chanu and Khambao both attempted 113kg, with the Thai’s clean lift propelling her to second place. The Romanian Cambei lifted 112kg to extend her lead, forcing Chanu to attempt 114kg.

Chanu’s first throw was successful, but she was unable to complete the lift, ending her competition with a total of 199kg.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, Chanu’s performance in Paris demonstrated her unwavering spirit and the progress she has made in overcoming her fitness challenges.

Mirabai Chanu Eyes Paris Podium Despite Injury-Marred Journey

Mirabai Chanu Eyes Paris Podium Despite Injury-Marred Journey

Mirabai Chanu, India’s weightlifting sensation, is poised to make her mark at the Paris Olympics. Despite a challenging journey marred by injuries and setbacks, Chanu remains determined to secure a medal on the grandest stage.

Her unwavering faith and spiritual practices have been a constant source of strength for Chanu. Every Tuesday, she performs an elaborate puja, seeking divine guidance and energy. This ritual has become an integral part of her preparation, instilling a sense of belief and tranquility.

As she enters the competition zone, Chanu transforms into a focused and determined athlete. Visualizing herself standing on the podium, she blocks out all distractions and pain. Her goal is clear: to make amends for her missed Asian Games medal and prove her resilience against a world-class field.

Chanu’s entry weight of 200kgs places her among the top contenders, alongside lifters from the United States, Thailand, Romania, and China. However, the absence of North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, the Asian Games champion and world record holder, has opened up the competition.

Despite lifting over 200kgs only once since Tokyo, Chanu remains confident in her abilities. Her recent return to competitive action at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, where she lifted 184kgs, has provided her with valuable experience.

China’s Hou Zhihui, the defending champion, is the runaway favorite. Her consistent 200kg lifts and impressive performances at major events make her a formidable opponent. The battle for the second spot will be intense, with Romania’s Valentina Cambei, USA’s Jourdan Delacruz, and Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao all capable of challenging Chanu.

Chanu’s coach, Vijay Sharma, is optimistic about her chances. He believes that her mental strength and determination will carry her through the competition. “We don’t expect an easy contest, but we have done the best we could,” Sharma said. “Mira is in great mental space and will do her best.”

As Chanu approaches her 30th birthday, a medal in Paris would be the perfect gift to herself and a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication.

Mirabai Chanu Faces Uphill Battle for Second Olympic Medal

Mirabai Chanu Faces Uphill Battle for Second Olympic Medal

Mirabai Chanu, India’s weightlifting icon, faces a daunting task as she aims to become the nation’s first double Olympic medalist in the sport. However, her path to glory is fraught with challenges, including a lingering hip injury and a formidable field of competitors.

Chanu’s Olympic journey has been marred by injuries and workload management issues. Since her silver medal performance in Tokyo, she has endured a disappointing cycle, with her best effort being a 201kg lift at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In her preferred 49kg weight category, Chanu faces an uphill battle for a podium finish. Reigning Olympic champion Hou Zhihui of China is the overwhelming favorite to retain her title. Other contenders include Jourdan Delacruz of the USA, Surodchana Khambao of Thailand, and Mihaela Cambei of Romania.

Despite concerns about her fitness, Chanu and her coach, Vijay Sharma, insist that she has fully recovered from her hip injury. However, her recent performances have fallen short of her personal bests, raising doubts about her ability to surpass the 200kg mark.

Chanu’s main obstacle lies within herself. Her snatch performance has been inconsistent, and her clean and jerk has also been underwhelming. While she has shown resilience and determination in the past, she must overcome these technical hurdles to challenge for a medal.

The 49kg event at the Paris Olympics promises to be a fiercely competitive contest. Chanu’s entry weight of 200kg places her alongside Delacruz and Khambao, while Zhihui and Cambei have set higher entry weights.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Chanu remains a formidable competitor. Her fighting spirit and unwavering determination could propel her to another historic performance. However, she must summon her best form and overcome her physical limitations to achieve her Olympic dream.

Mirabai Chanu Faces Stiff Competition in Paris Olympic Quest

Mirabai Chanu Faces Stiff Competition in Paris Olympic Quest

Mirabai Chanu’s return to competition after a six-month injury layoff has been met with cautious optimism. The 49kg lifter’s 184kg lift at the Phuket World Cup has secured her a spot at the Paris Olympics, but the road to a medal is fraught with challenges.

Chanu’s performance in Phuket was encouraging, considering her recent injury. However, the competition in Paris will be fierce. The top three finishers in Phuket all lifted over 200kg, with North Korea’s Ri Song Gum setting a new world record of 221kg.

China’s Hou Zhihui and Jiang Huihua, as well as Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao and USA’s Jourdan Delacruz, will be among Chanu’s main rivals in Paris. These lifters are younger than Chanu and have been consistently lifting over 190kg.

Chanu acknowledges the stiff competition but remains focused on her own performance. She has set a target of 205kg for Paris, which may not guarantee a medal but will keep her in contention.

National coach Vijay Kumar Sharma is confident that Chanu will reach her peak in time for the Olympics. He believes that her strength-based workouts will help her regain her muscle strength and improve her technique.

Despite the challenges, Chanu remains determined to make a mark in Paris. Her experience and resilience will be crucial in her quest for an Olympic medal.

MOC Approves Training and Support for Indian Athletes Ahead of Olympics

MOC Approves Training and Support for Indian Athletes Ahead of Olympics

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved a series of proposals to support Indian athletes in their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Weightlifting:

Mirabai Chanu, India’s silver medalist in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics, will train at La Ferte-Milon, Paris, ahead of the Games. The MOC has approved her proposal to travel to Paris nearly a month before her event to acclimatize to the weather and prepare for the competition. Her training camp expenses, including airfare, visa costs, accommodation, food, training costs, and medical insurance, will be covered under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding.

Equestrian:

Equestrian player Anush Agarwalla has received approval for his proposal to compete in eight competitions and purchase equipment for his horses. TOPS will cover his and his coach’s accommodation costs, entry fees, horse feed costs, coach fees, and horse groom costs.

Judo:

Judoka Asmita Dey’s proposal for financial assistance to participate in the Grand Prix, Austria, has been approved.

Shooting:

Shooter Arjun Singh Cheema’s request for financial assistance towards participation in the ISAS Dortmund Competition has also been approved.

Tennis:

Newly inducted Indian tennis ace Sumit Nagal’s request for financial assistance towards participation in two international competitions along with expenditure for his support staff has been approved. Their airfare, accommodation cost, coaching fees, and physio/fitness coach/mental trainer fees will be covered under TOPS funding.

Other Approvals:

Other proposals approved by the MOC include financial assistance towards hiring a video analyst for badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, extension of the contract for weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga’s physiotherapist, and financial assistance towards buying equipment for track athlete Amoj Jacob.

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