In a stunning show of strength and determination, Indian weightlifter Bindyarani Devi, from Manipur, won a bronze medal at the IWF World Cup 2024 in Phuket, Thailand on Tuesday.
With this victory, Bindyarani becomes the first Indian to achieve a medal in the women’s 55kg event at the IWF Weightlifting World Cup.
Competing in the non-Olympic women’s 55kg category, Bindyarani Devi demonstrated her skill by lifting a total of 196kg, including 83kg in snatch and 113kg in clean and jerk.
Although she didn’t match her silver medal-winning performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she lifted a total of 203kg, Bindyarani Devi’s accomplishment is a significant milestone in Indian weightlifting history.
The gold medal was won by Kang Hyon Gyong of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who lifted an impressive 234kg, while Romania’s Mihaela Cambei secured the silver with a personal best of 201kg.
At 25 years old, Bindyarani Devi faced initial challenges during the competition, experiencing a failed attempt in the snatch category.
However, she quickly bounced back, succeeding in subsequent attempts. In the clean and jerk segment, Bindyarani Devi showed consistent performance, lifting 110kg and 113kg before narrowly missing a successful attempt at 119kg.
Her achievement goes beyond the bronze medal, as Bindyarani Devi also earned a silver medal in the clean and jerk category.
It’s important to note that at prestigious events like the IWF World Cup, medals are given for both the snatch and clean and jerk segments, as well as for the total lifts.
Despite her success, Bindyarani Devi is currently ranked 29th in the Olympic Qualification Ranking for the women’s 59kg category.
However, with her performance at the IWF World Cup, she remains a contender for a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the top 10 ranked eligible lifters in each weight category secure a place.
Bindyarani Devi’s accomplishment contributes to India’s growing presence in international weightlifting competitions.
She was joined by fellow Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who competed in the women’s 49kg category and finished 12th in Phuket.
With her consistent performances, Mirabai Chanu is well-positioned to secure a spot for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, currently holding the second position overall.
Bindyarani Devi’s historic bronze medal win not only showcases her individual talent but also underscores India’s increasing prominence in the world of weightlifting.
The IWF World Cup 2024 is expected to conclude on April 11.
