Sanket Sargar, Indian weightlifter, opened the nation’s medal tally at the 2022 Commonwealth Games by winning silver for weightlifting in the 55kg category. Sargar lifted an impressive total of 248kg losing out the gold to Malaysian lifter Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan, who lifted 249kg. 

However, Sargar outdid his competitors in the Snatch category and managed second place despite an elbow injury after the 135kg lift in the Clean and Jerk category. 

His achievement has already garnered mixed reactions on the internet, with most praising the gutsy 21-year-old from Maharashtra for continuing despite the injury, but many have also expressed concern about the potential risks to the young lifter’s career. 

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PC Mohan, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru, congratulated Sargar, saying he reflected “the spirit of young India”. The politician also noted Sargar’s spectacular journey, despite humble beginnings – from helping his father in a paan (betel leaf) shop to representing India at the CWG. 

Rahul Rawat, deputy editor at India Today also tweeted “That was brave from Sanket Sargar to go for a third attempt despite sustaining an elbow injury in the second. But that was just not needed”, adding that the weightlifter was putting his “career in danger”. 

The Vice President of Gujarat Cricket Association, Dhanraj Nathwani, was all praises for Sargar, saying “He went for a third attempt despite sustaining an elbow injury in the second. Truly a remarkable win in the Men’s 55kg”. 

Freelance journalist and author Nikhil Naz also shared his opinion after announcing Sargar’s achievement. 

However, the author of Miracle Men: The Greatest Underdog Story in Cricket was quick to criticize the coaches for letting Sargar try a lift in round three when he’d already injured his elbow in the second round. 

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He added, “absolutely crazy from the Indian coaches to allow Sargar to go for his final attempt despite an elbow injury. You run the risk of ending the 21yr olds career!”