Sanket Sargar, Indian weightlifter, has opened the country’s medal tally at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, by winning silver in the 55kg weightlifting category. The 21-year-old lifted an impressive 248kg, carrying on despite an elbow injury and lost the first spot to Malaysian weightlifter Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan, who lifted 1kg more.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sargar on his achievement, saying, “Exceptional effort by Sanket Sargar! His bagging the prestigious Silver is a great start for India at the Commonwealth Games. Congratulations to him and best wishes for all future endeavours.”

BJP party president JP Nadda commented, “a glorious silver medal in the 55 Kg weightlifting category. This was truly a memorable performance that showed his immense grit and determination. We are all proud of your efforts”, while congratulating the athlete from Maharashtra. 

Recently elected president of the country, Droupadi Murmu, also congratulated the weightlifter, saying “Your immense hard work has brought success to you and glory to India. My best wishes as India opens its medal tally”, while congratulating Sargar for his silver. 

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“The entire nation is very proud of his achievement. My best wishes for his future endeavours”, said Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India. 

Anurag Thakur, Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said that though Sargar had missed the gold by a whisker, India’s proud of the athlete. 

Sargar, meanwhile, feels the result is bittersweet and said that he’d prepared for gold for four years, but missed it due to his elbow injury, ANI reported. 

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His family, however, added, “We’re very happy that he has won a silver medal for the country despite an elbow injury”, as per ANI. Sargar lifted 113kg in the Snatch category and 135kg in the Clean and Jerk category.