Weightlifter Achinta Sheuli clinched India’s third gold in the Commonwealth Games on Sunday by securing the top spot in the men’s 73kg category. Debutant Sheuli lifted 313kg (143kg+170kg) to grab the gold at NEC Hall. 

Sheuli executed three clean lifts — 137kg, 140kg and 143kg — in the snatch section. Heading into clean an jerk with a five kilogram advantage, Sheuli started with a 166kg lift, which he hoisted easily. He faltered his 170kg attempt only to heave the weight in the third attempt and create a new Games record in total lift (313kg).

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Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad, who gave Sheuli a tough competition, came second. He had a best effort of 303kg (138kg+165kg). Canada’s Shad Darsigny was third with a total lift of 298kg (135kg+163kg).

“I’m very happy about this, I’ve worked hard for this medal. A lot of sacrifices of my brother, mother, my coach and the Army have gone into this medal,” Sheuli said after the win.

“This was the first major event in my life and I’m thankful for them to help me reach here. This medal will help me in every aspect of life. There should not be looking back from now on.”

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Asked to whom he would dedicate his gold medal, Sheuli said, “I wish to dedicate this medal to my late dad (who died of heart attack), my brother and my coach Vjay Sharma who slaps me if I do a mistake, keeps scolding me like I’m his own child.”

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Speaking about what his coach told him before the final clean and jerk attempt, Sheuli said, “He told me this gold belongs to me just keep calm and go for it. I was a bit nervous but his performance was way below me and I went for it.” 

With the gold from Sheuli, the Indian weightlifting contingent has bagged its sixth medal of the CWG 2022.