Nirupama Devi’s Commonwealth Games Campaign Ends
Indian weightlifter Nirupama Devi faced disappointment in the women’s 63kg category at the Commonwealth Games, as her campaign concluded with a Did Not Finish (DNF) result. Despite a strong start in the snatch round, she was unable to complete any of her clean and jerk attempts, which ended her medal aspirations.
Nirupama had initially performed well in the snatch, achieving a best lift of 93kg. This placed her fifth after the snatch round, keeping her in contention for a medal. However, her subsequent performance in the clean and jerk proved challenging.
Clean and Jerk Disappointment
During the clean and jerk segment, Nirupama Devi made three attempts at lifting 123kg. This weight was noted to be less than the 127kg she had successfully lifted at the National Championships earlier in the year. Unfortunately, she failed on all three attempts, leading to her exit from the competition without a total score.
This outcome was particularly disheartening given her previous success, including a silver medal at last year’s Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad, where she achieved a total lift of 217kg (91kg in snatch and 126kg in clean and jerk).
Dominant Performances by Competitors
The event saw Canada’s Maude Charron, a Tokyo Olympic champion, secure her third consecutive Games gold medal. Charron set new Commonwealth Games records in both lifts, demonstrating her authority in the category. She lifted an impressive 102kg in the snatch and followed it with another Games record of 130kg in the clean and jerk, culminating in a winning total of 232kg.
England’s Sarah Davies Smale earned the silver medal with a total of 217kg, comprising 95kg in snatch and 122kg in clean and jerk. The bronze medal went to Femily-Crystie Notte of Nauru, who is 17 years old. Notte achieved a total of 216kg, with lifts of 100kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk.
Weightlifting’s Role in India’s Medal Tally
Despite Nirupama Devi’s setback, weightlifting has been India’s most successful discipline at the current Commonwealth Games. The sport has contributed six of the country’s ten medals so far, including one in para powerlifting, highlighting its importance to India’s overall performance.
The success of Indian weightlifters at the Commonwealth Games has been a consistent theme, with the sport often being a significant source of medals for the nation. This trend underscores the dedication and talent within the Indian weightlifting community.
Northeast Athletes Continue to Inspire
The broader context of Indian sporting success, particularly in weightlifting, often highlights athletes from the Northeast region. Legendary Manipuri weightlifter Ngangom Kunjarani Devi, a decorated Commonwealth Games athlete, has been a significant inspiration. She expressed pride in the achievements of Northeast athletes, noting their determination, discipline, and commitment.
Kunjarani Devi, considered a pioneer of weightlifting in the Northeast, emphasized that athletes from the region are “born focused” and hardworking, which contributes to their success in international competitions like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. She highlighted that the region consistently produces champions across various disciplines.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has recognized Manipur as a “powerhouse of sports,” a designation that Kunjarani Devi believes is justified by the athletes’ achievements. As India prepares for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Kunjarani Devi offered encouragement to athletes like Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic silver medallist, and Lovlina Borgohain, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist boxer, both prominent figures from the Northeast.
Manipur alone has contributed ten athletes to India’s contingent for Glasgow, an achievement that reflects resilience amidst prolonged political and social unrest in the state. Kunjarani Devi views their selection as an example for young sportspersons to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams, stressing the importance of self-motivation. The continued rise of athletes from the Northeast is seen as proof that talent and perseverance can overcome difficult circumstances, with Kunjarani Devi confident that the region will play a leading role in India’s medal quest at the Glasgow Games.
Source: m.rediff.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter