Indian weightlifter Sanket Sargar won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, having participated in the 55kg category. The 21-year-old lifted a remarkable total of 248kg, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he continued despite sustaining an elbow injury in round 2 of the Clean and Jerk category. 

Speaking afterwards, the lifter from Maharashtra said, “I’m happy but also sad as I couldn’t win the gold medal. For last 4 years, I prepared for the gold medal but couldn’t win it due to an elbow injury”, as per ANI. 

Sargar lost the gold to Malaysian lifter Mohamad Aniq bin Kasdan, whose total lift was 249kg, just one kg more than Sargar’s tally. Sri Lankan lifter Dilanka Isuru Kumara Yodage came third with a 225kg total lift. 

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The victory in the face of injury led many to point out that Sargar’s reached notable heights despite his humble background. Those on Twitter were quick to praise his courage but questioned the decision to allow Sargar to lift despite his injury – potentially risking the weightlifter’s career. 

Sargar lifted 113kg in the Snatch category, over 5kg more than the first and third place contestants. In the Clean and Jerk, he managed a 135kg lift in round one and was attempting to lift 139kg in the second, when he had an elbow injury. 

The Indian athlete tried to lift in the third round as well but was unable to do so, and tallies from both these rounds were disregarded. The 135kg lift was taken into account. 

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“We’re very happy that he has won a silver medal for the country despite an elbow injury”, his father and sister commented, as per ANI. 

Speaking to the media, Sargar also said “I am very disappointed and angry as I lost the gold medal. I had prepared and worked so hard”, Onmanorama reported.