Modinagar (Uttar Pradesh), Feb 5: Two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Gururaja Poojari showcased his experience and class with a clinical performance to win the senior men’s 60kg gold medal on the second day of the IWLF National Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships here on Thursday.
The Karnataka lifter, who had claimed silver in the 56kg category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and followed up with a bronze in the 61kg division at the 2022 edition, finished with a commanding total of 269kg to top the podium. Poojari lifted 119kg in the snatch before sealing the contest with a top lift of 150kg effort in the clean and jerk.
Manipur’s Ch Rishikanta Singh pushed him closely with an identical 119kg in snatch but managed 147kg in the clean and jerk to settle for silver with an overall 266kg, while Services’ S Guru Naidu (265kg) took the bronze.
In the junior men’s 60kg competition, Arunachal Pradesh’s Chera Tania delivered a dominant show to clinch gold with a total lift of 253kg. His decisive 143kg clean and jerk proved crucial after a solid 110kg snatch.
Manipur’s Th. Bunny Singh (247kg) and Mizoram’s Isak Malsawmtluanga (239kg) finished second and third respectively. (PTI)
