India’s Bindyarani Devi capped off a successful outing for the Indian weightlifting contingent, winning the silver medal in women’s 55kg category.
Bindyarani (left) with her silver medal. (Courtesy: Reuters)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bindyarani Devi broke the Games record for highest ‘clean and jerk’ lift
- Bindyarani Devi was just short by 1kg from the gold medal winner
- India won four medals on Day 2 at the CWG
Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi won the silver medal in women’s 55kg category, lifting a total of 202 kgs on Saturday, 30 July. The 23-year-old, who was participating in her first Commonwealth Games, broke the Games record for the highest ‘clean and jerk’ lift in the 55kg women’s category with a massive effort of 116kgs.
Speaking to India Today after the event, Bindyarani said that she felt very happy after winning the game.
“I am feeling very happy that I have won the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games.
The coaches helped me a lot alongside the organisations in India. My coaches have worked a lot on my technique. Whatever advice they give me, I go to my room and think about it, which helps me later,” she said.
Sharing a story about how weightlifting was not her primary sport, she revealed she originally represented India in Taekwondo before.
“I am a black belt at Taekwondo and have represented India in the international level. But then I was suggested to move from the sport due to my height and then I switched to weightlifting because I was very strong as a child. I started lifting in 2012 and since then I have been there in the Manipur Sports Authority of India.” she said.
The athlete further stated that she was eye the Olympics as her next major event and would love to do better in the upcoming competitions.
“There are a lot of competitions that I want to be a part of, National Games, World Championships, Asian Games and the Olympics. I have full focus on the Olympics,” she concluded.
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