Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

India Shines at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships with Silver Medals and Youth World Record

The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad proved a proud moment for India. Indian lifters clinched three silver medals through Bindyarani Devi, Raja Muthupandi, and Sneha Soren, showcasing consistent strength in senior categories. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Koyel Bar stole the spotlight by setting new youth world records in the women’s 53kg class, lifting weights beyond many senior competitors.

These achievements reflect a growing depth in Indian weightlifting, combining experience with fresh talent. The event gathered over 300 lifters from 31 nations, making India’s medal haul and Koyel’s record-breaking performance all the more impressive on an international stage. This success highlights the dedication and progress of Indian athletes, promising an exciting future in this traditional strength sport.

For a visual summary of the championships and India’s standout performances, this highlights video captures the key moments:
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 | Highlights – Doordarshan Sports

Standout Performances by Indian Weightlifters

The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships showcased some gripping battles and remarkable displays of strength from Indian athletes. Their grit and persistence shone through as medals were snatched amid fierce competition. Let’s look closely at the efforts of Bindyarani Devi, Muthupandi Raja, and Sneha Soren, each delivering performances that highlighted India’s growing stature in weightlifting.

Bindyarani Devi’s Silver in the Women’s 58kg Category

Bindyarani Devi brought her signature tenacity to the platform in the women’s 58kg category. Her total of 206kg, split between a powerful 91kg snatch and a 115kg clean and jerk, earned her a well-deserved silver medal. The contest was intense from the start, with Bindyarani successfully lifting 85kg and 88kg in her snatch attempts before clinching the 91kg on her final try.

The clean and jerk segment saw Bindyarani confidently hoist 110kg and 115kg, but her bid for a 122kg lift narrowly missed out. That final attempt had the crowd holding their breath, a pivotal moment that would have upped her total to challenge for gold.

Bindyarani’s journey is one of steady progress. Known for her sharp focus from previous Commonwealth Games, where she has earned medals, she remains a figure of resilience. Her ability to consistently perform under pressure reflects years of dedication and growth, with this silver a testament to her status as a leading Indian weightlifter. She stands as a role model, pushing boundaries and inspiring younger athletes.

For more details on Bindyarani Devi’s achievements, her Instagram reel offers a glimpse into her performance and spirit at the event.

Muthupandi Raja’s Narrow Miss in Men’s 65kg Division

The men’s 65kg category was a showcase of raw power and edge-of-the-seat tension. Raja Muthupandi lifted a combined total of 296kg, coming agonisingly close to gold. He matched the snatch lift at 128kg and then surged ahead with a 168kg clean and jerk.

However, his Malaysian rival, Aznil Bidin, crept past with just a 1kg edge, lifting 297kg in total. This razor-thin margin kept everyone on the edge, illustrating how every kilo matters in such high-stakes contests.

The competition was a testament to Raja’s mettle and precision. Despite falling just short, his effort signals India’s strong presence in men’s weightlifting categories. The closeness of the battle adds layers of drama and shows how finely tuned and strategic these athletes must be, balancing strength with timing and attempt choices.

Sneha Soren’s Silver and Competitive Spirit

Sneha Soren lifted a total of 185kg in the women’s 53kg senior category, securing silver with a fierce drive that matched her rising potential. Her performance was impressive, especially considering the calibre of the winner, who edged her out with a higher total.

Sneha’s lifts highlighted her explosive power and technical skill, traits that mark her as a promising athlete in the national circuit. This silver medal at an international competition represents not just personal achievement but also signals her ability to challenge top contenders.

Her role reflects the blend of emerging talent with experience, carving a space for younger lifters on the global stage. Through performances like hers, Indian weightlifting continues to deepen its pool of strong athletes ready to carry the flag forward.

Together, these performances provide a snapshot of India’s growing strength in weightlifting, with athletes who compete not just with muscle but with heart. Their close contests and medals hint at what’s ahead as they build towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond. For more about the latest results and updates from the championships, you can check out the Tribune India coverage of Bindyarani’s silver.

Koyel Bar: Rising Star and Youth World Record Breaker

At just 17 years old, Koyel Bar has already made a mark that many senior weightlifters aspire to but few achieve. Her performance at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships was nothing short of extraordinary, setting new youth world records that have turned heads across the weightlifting community. This young athlete’s lifts not only demonstrate raw strength but also a remarkable blend of technique and determination that hints at a bright future for Indian weightlifting.

Breaking Records with a 192kg Total

Koyel’s competition total of 192kg is composed of two stellar lifts that shattered existing youth world records. Tackling the 53kg women’s category, she successfully snatched 85kg and followed that by clean and jerking 107kg. Both these numbers aren’t just personal milestones—they are fresh youth world records, with her clean and jerk and overall total lifting new standards in this category.

Her snatch was executed with impressive precision; the bar remained close to her body, and her speed under the bar showed the confidence of an experienced lifter, despite her young age. The clean and jerk, often the more demanding of the two, showcased her power and composure. She drove the 107kg barbell up smoothly and locked out with solid form, securing a lift that outstripped many senior competitors at the event.

This lift total is especially noteworthy given the intensity of the competition. While many lifters at senior levels hovered around these weights, Koyel’s youth records suggest she’s already lifting in a league beyond her years. Her performance stands out as an achievement that lifts new energy and hope for the next generation of weightlifters.

Koyel’s Impact Beyond the Championship

Koyel Bar’s success isn’t just about trophies and records; it signals something bigger for Indian weightlifting. Holding multiple youth and junior titles alongside this breakthrough shows not only talent but a consistent rise that few manage at such an age. This suggests that Koyel could become a dominant figure on the international stage in the coming years.

Behind the scenes, solid support systems like Olympic Gold Quest play a crucial role in her development. These programmes focus on nurturing young talent by providing access to better coaching, nutrition, and sports science, ensuring athletes like Koyel have every chance to push their limits.

Furthermore, Koyel benefits from modern training methods tailored to optimise her growth while reducing injury risk. These include progressive overload strategies and technical refinement work, all aimed at enhancing performance consistently. Her ability to marry technical skill with strength puts her in a unique position to transition smoothly into senior categories without losing momentum.

Her journey encourages young athletes and energises the entire weightlifting circuit in India. Koyel Bar is more than a record-breaker; she is a symbol of promise and the embodiment of what strategic, patient development in sports can achieve. As she continues to build her career, eyes will stay fixed on how she shapes up against the world’s best.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

The Competitive Landscape of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships

The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships illustrated a vibrant and demanding competitive field with athletes from across the Commonwealth pushing limits and setting new standards. As India’s silver medal winners and youth record breaker grabbed headlines, it’s essential to acknowledge the strength of their international rivals. At the same time, this event is more than just medals — it is a vital platform for athletes preparing to step onto bigger stages, like the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Key International Rivals and Their Performances

Several lifters distinguished themselves with commanding gold medal performances, setting high benchmarks in their respective categories. Australia’s Kiana Elliott dominated the women’s 58kg senior division with a total lift of 212kg, breaking down into a 100kg snatch and a 112kg clean and jerk. Elliott’s achievement not only earned gold but also emphasised her status as one of the top lifters in the Commonwealth. Her smooth technique and steady increase in lifts kept the competition tightly contested against Indian silver medallist Bindyarani Devi.

In the men’s 65kg category, Muhamad Aznil Bin Bidin from Malaysia narrowly edged ahead with a total of 297kg, just 1kg above India’s Raja Muthupandi, who lifted 296kg. This almost neck-and-neck rivalry showed the intensity and fine margins at the top level. Aznil’s capacity to claim gold under pressure reflects the depth of talent across Southeast Asia and sets a high bar for all contenders.

On the women’s 53kg senior podium, Nigeria’s Omolola Onome Didih claimed gold with a 197kg total, split as 90kg in snatch and 107kg in clean and jerk. Her powerful lifting in the clean and jerk especially underscored Nigeria’s growing presence in weightlifting, matching impressive strength with solid technique. This gave Indian silver medal winner Sneha Soren a strong challenger to measure herself against, ensuring the competition remained tough and inspiring.

These performances from Australia, Malaysia, and Nigeria put India’s achievements in a global context. The standards at the championships were high across the board, proving that to move to the very top, athletes must refine every detail of their lifts and strategy. With over 300 lifters from 31 nations competing, the intensity creates an environment that pushes everyone to improve.

Platform for Emerging Talent and Qualification Road to Glasgow 2026

The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships do more than celebrate current success; they act as a proving ground for emerging talent on a path to greater international contests. For many athletes, especially the younger generation, the championship offers a chance to gain crucial experience against world-class opponents and to test themselves under the weight of expectation.

For example, 17-year-old Koyel Bar’s record-breaking performance in the youth 53kg category demonstrates just how the event acts as a launchpad for future stars. Her lifting of 192kg total—already surpassing some senior competitors—encourages the whole cohort of young lifters to aim higher and dream bigger.

Moreover, the 2025 edition carried added importance as a qualification event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Winning gold secured an automatic quota spot for the next Games, making each attempt imbued with significant stakes. This qualification process elevates the competition’s intensity, compelling athletes to deliver their best performances.

By combining medals, records, and qualifying opportunities, the championships create a focused environment where every lift counts. It pushes athletes not only to perfect their physical capabilities but also to sharpen their strategy, mental readiness, and consistency. These elements are essential for succeeding at larger, more demanding international meets.

In essence, the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships offer a blend of fierce competition, international rivalry, and a stepping stone for future achievements. They shape the careers of athletes who aspire to not just represent their countries but to stand atop podiums at events like Glasgow 2026 and beyond.

For more insight into the qualifying criteria for the Commonwealth Games and how performances might shape future competition, the official Olympics coverage on the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 offers detailed information.

This section highlights the truly competitive nature of the championships alongside the promising road it creates for emerging athletes. The high calibre of international rivals and the clear pathway toward Glasgow 2026 combine to make this event a key milestone in Commonwealth weightlifting.

The Journey and Preparation of Indian Weightlifters

The path to success for Indian weightlifters like Bindyarani Devi, Raja Muthupandi, Sneha Soren, and young star Koyel Bar is built on years of hard work and careful planning. Behind their powerful lifts lies a complex journey of athletic development, rigorous training, and steady support. Understanding how these athletes prepare offers insight into India’s growing stature on the international weightlifting stage.

Athletic Development and Long-Term Goals

Weightlifting is not just about sudden bursts of strength; it demands a gradual building of skill, power, and mental toughness. Athletes begin their journey early, especially prospects like 17-year-old Koyel Bar, who has already set youth world records. For young lifters, the focus is on learning the right techniques, building a base of strength, and avoiding injuries through proper training. Their long-term goal is to transition smoothly into senior categories, maintaining steady progress without burnout.

Experienced lifters like Bindyarani Devi and Raja Muthupandi follow plans that balance maintaining peak physical condition with refining technique and strategic competition planning. Their training cycles include periods of intense load followed by recovery to ensure performance gains without risking overtraining.

Athlete development pathways in India increasingly focus on a staged process:

• Grassroots identification of talent in schools or regional centres.
• Structured coaching that teaches foundations in lifts and conditioning.
• Exposure to national and international competitions early in their careers.
• Incremental strength programmes tailored for each athlete’s physique and style.

Goal-setting plays a vital role in keeping athletes motivated over time. For example, young lifters aim for youth and junior records, while seniors target medals at prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games. This layered approach fosters a healthy environment where every achievement builds confidence.

Role of Initiatives like Olympic Gold Quest

Support systems make a major difference in an athlete’s career. Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) is one such organisation that has provided crucial help to Indian weightlifters in recent years. They offer more than just funding; their focus includes expert coaching, access to sports science, and psychological support.

OGQ works closely with coaches and athletes through programmes like the Coaches Program, which aims to enhance the quality of training through specialist knowledge. They ensure athletes have access to:

• World-class physiotherapists for injury prevention and recovery.
• Strength and conditioning coaches to optimise physical power safely.
• Sports psychologists who help athletes stay focused under pressure.
• Nutritionists to tailor diets for peak energy and muscle repair.

This holistic care supports athletes not only physically but also mentally, which is crucial in a sport where even minor mistakes can affect outcomes. The backing from OGQ and similar bodies speeds up learning curves and helps reduce the gap between Indian athletes and global competitors.

Recent successes like Bindyarani Devi’s silver medal and Koyel Bar’s youth world record highlight the value of these initiatives. With expert guidance and proper infrastructure, athletes gain confidence to compete at the highest level. The improved environment encourages persistence and resilience, turning raw talent into medal-winning performances.

Together, these development pathways and support networks form a solid bridge for Indian weightlifters, from promising youngsters to seasoned champions, setting them on a path to continued international success.

Looking Ahead: India’s Prospects in Weightlifting and International Sports

India’s recent performance at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships signals a promising path forward. With seasoned athletes proving their mettle on the international stage and young talents setting new records, the future looks charged with potential. As the nation sets its sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and other global competitions, the question is how this momentum will be sustained and elevated.

Preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Beyond

The 2025 Championships have done more than just add medals to India’s tally; they have laid a firm foundation for what lies ahead. Mirabai Chanu’s gold-winning return is a powerful reminder of the calibre India can produce. After a well-planned comeback following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chanu has shifted weight classes and revamped her training regimen, including better recovery methods and customised diet plans. This strategic approach is designed not only to optimise performance but also to extend her longevity in the sport. This meticulous preparation secures her direct qualification for the 2026 Games and sets a benchmark for others. Read about Mirabai Chanu’s revamped training here.

But India’s ambitions do not rest on Chanu alone. Rising stars like Koyel Bar, who shattered youth world records, demonstrate clear readiness to take the mantle. Their progress is supported by increased access to scientific coaching, nutrition, and injury prevention that aligns with international standards. National teams are now built with the 2026 Games firmly in mind, tailoring training cycles to peak at the right moments.

Qualifying through the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships was a crucial step. Almost every medal-winning performance counted towards securing a spot in Glasgow, making each lift essential. The qualification system outlines multiple pathways, including rankings and direct wins, ensuring the best lifters have their shot. India’s athletes have positioned themselves well within these pathways, and with continued rigour, expectations are high for medals on Scottish soil. Details on qualification systems offer insights into how athletes can cement their places.

Photo by Avinash Salunke

Encouraging a New Generation of Athletes

The impact of these performances ripples far beyond medals and records. They have sparked fresh enthusiasm across India’s young athletes. Seeing peers like 17-year-old Koyel Bar break youth world records gives tangible proof that age is no barrier to competing globally. This inspiration is invaluable in driving participation and ambition in weightlifting and sports generally.

Grassroots and youth programmes are benefiting, with more schools and sports academies paying attention to weightlifting than ever before. Role models like Mirabai Chanu and rising stars continue to appear in media and social networks, inspiring youngsters to pick up the barbell. Such visibility changes mindsets, making weightlifting not just a niche pursuit but an aspirational path.

National bodies and private initiatives are tasked with nurturing this surge by providing stronger support frameworks. This means better coaching, improved infrastructure, sports science integration, and career guidance to maintain motivation. The rise of athletes competing strongly on continental and global levels builds a virtuous circle: success nurtures interest, which in turn creates a wider talent pool, producing future champions.

For those new to the sport, watching the Indian team’s achievements in competitions such as the 2025 Championships and seeing the build-up towards the Commonwealth Games represents an open door. It signals a chance to join a growing community that blends discipline, strength, and ambition with national pride.

India’s next generation is ready to carry this momentum forward, encouraged by the belief that world-class success is within reach.

India’s prospects in weightlifting have never looked brighter. Through smart preparation and inspiring performances, the nation is laying down a solid path not only for Glasgow 2026 but for a steady rise in international sports stature. This journey offers a vivid reminder: the future belongs to those who lift with both heart and strategy.

Conclusion

The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships were a remarkable showcase of India’s strength and determination. Silver medals earned by Bindyarani Devi, Raja Muthupandi, and Sneha Soren demonstrated the country’s solid footing in senior categories, each lift reflecting hard work and strategic skill under pressure. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Koyel Bar’s youth world records in the 53kg class — with a total lift of 192kg — marked a historic milestone that promises exciting prospects for Indian weightlifting.

Close contests and record-breaking performances at this event have not only raised the bar for Indian athletes but also highlighted emerging talent ready to challenge the best internationally. These achievements set a strong foundation as India looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.

With growing support systems and disciplined preparation, the future of Indian weightlifting looks bright, full of potential and ambition. The weight of these accomplishments inspires a new generation to lift higher, quicker, and stronger.