Singapore, Feb 25: Star Indian lifter Mirabai Chanu qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 55kg weight category on Friday by clinching the gold in the Singapore Weightlifting International here.
Competing in the 55kg weight class for the first time, Chanu lifted 191kg (86kg+105kg) to stand on top of the podium in an uncompetitive field.
The second placed lifter – Australia’s Jessica Sewastenko’s best effort was 167kg (77kg+90kg), a whopping 24kg less than Chanu’s.
Elly Cassandra Englebert of Malaysia finished third with a best effort of 165kg (75kg+90kg).
The other three Indian lifters competing on day one of the event – Sanket Sagar (55kg), Rishikanta Singh (55kg) and Bindyarani Devi (59kg) – also sealed Commonwealth Games berths.
Sagar created new Commonwealth and national records in clean and jerk and total lift on his way to gold in the men’s 55kg event. He lifted 256kg (113kg +143kg), edging out compatriot silver medallist Rishikanta, who had a best effort of 246kg (110kg+136kg).
Sri Lanka’s Dilanka Isuru Kumara took home the bronze in the event as he heaved 238kg (106kg+132kg).
Commonwealth Championships silver medallist Bindyarani bagged India’s third gold of the day.
Bindyarani lifted 196kg (85kg+111kg) in the women’s 59kg competition to win the yellow metal in the five lifter-field. (PTI)
