The weightlifting arena in Ahmedabad witnessed something truly extraordinary during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship 2025. Among the seasoned competitors and established champions, one name emerged that would capture global attention of Sairaj Pardeshi, an 18-year-old prodigy from India who delivered a performance that left the weightlifting world in respect.
Competing in the highly competitive men's 88 kg weight category, Pardeshi didn't just participate; he dominated. His remarkable achievement came through a combined total lift of 348 kilograms, masterfully distributed between a 157kg snatch and an impressive 191kg clean & jerk. This performance wasn't merely about winning gold – it was about rewriting the record books and announcing the arrival of a new force in international weightlifting.
What makes Pardeshi's story particularly compelling is his background. This young champion hails from Manmad, a modest town settled in Maharashtra where dreams of international sporting glory might seem distant for many. His father works as a scrap dealer, a profession that speaks to the family's working-class roots and perhaps explains the young athlete's understanding of hard work and determination.
The contrast between his humble origins and his towering achievements on the international stage creates a narrative that resonates far beyond the confines of weightlifting circles. Pardeshi's journey exemplifies how talent, when combined with dedication and proper support, can transcend socioeconomic barriers and geographic limitations.
A Pattern of Excellence: Previous International Achievements
The Commonwealth Championship victory represents not an isolated moment of brilliance but rather the culmination of a consistent pattern of excellence that Pardeshi has established on the international stage. His trophy cabinet already includes significant achievements that demonstrate his growing prowess in the sport.
At the Asian Youth & Junior Championships held in Doha, Pardeshi had previously announced his arrival by securing a gold medal with a then-record total lift of 310 kilograms. This achievement served as a precursor to his current success, showing his ability to perform under pressure in international competitions.
Furthermore, his performance at the 2024 Commonwealth Youth, Junior, and Senior Weightlifting Championships showcased his versatility across age categories. Winning gold in the youth category while simultaneously securing silver in the senior category demonstrated his exceptional ability to compete effectively against older, more experienced opponents.
Record-Breaking Performance: The Numbers Tell the Story
Pardeshi's performance in Ahmedabad wasn't just about winning; it was about establishing new benchmarks in the sport. His achievements during the championship included multiple record-breaking moments that will likely stand as targets for future competitors to chase. In the snatch category, his 157kg lift surpassed the existing Commonwealth junior record of 155kg, which had been held by Fiji's Nehemiah Elder. This achievement alone would have been noteworthy, but Pardeshi wasn't finished. His clean & jerk performance of 191kg broke his own previous junior record of 186kg, while his combined total of 348kg also surpassed his previous junior total record of 338kg.
The significance of these records extends beyond mere numbers. They represent a new standard of excellence in the junior category and suggest that Pardeshi's potential may extend far beyond his current achievements.
Overshadowing Established Champions
The championship also provided a stark illustration of how emerging talent can sometimes overshadow established names in sport. Three-time Commonwealth champion Ajay Singh, a respected figure in Indian weightlifting, experienced a disappointing outing that contrasted sharply with Pardeshi's triumph.
Singh's sixth-place finish with a total effort of 315kg was a full 33kg behind Pardeshi's performance, highlighting the significant gap between the young champion's current form and that of previously dominant competitors. This performance differential illustrates how sport can sometimes witness generational shifts where emerging talent rapidly surpasses established champions.
India's Golden Glory: A Historic Triumph at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship
The sporting world witnessed a remarkable chapter in Indian athletics history as the nation's shooters delivered an unprecedented performance at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. For the first time since the championship's inception, India claimed the top position in the overall medal standings, marking a watershed moment that signifies the country's emergence as a dominant force in Asian shooting sports.
India's shooters achieved what many considered impossible just a few years ago – they captured an astounding 50 gold medals, propelling the nation to the summit of the medal table. This golden tally was complemented by 26 silver and 23 bronze medals, bringing India's total medal count to an impressive 99 medals. This achievement represents not just numerical success but a qualitative leap in the nation's shooting prowess on the continental stage. The significance of this accomplishment becomes even more pronounced when compared to India's previous performance. At the 15th Asian Championships in Changwon, South Korea, India had secured 64 medals. The jump to 99 medals in Kazakhstan represents a remarkable improvement of 35 additional medals, showcasing the systematic development and enhanced competitive spirit of Indian shooting.
In a surprising turn of events, host nation Kazakhstan, despite the advantage of competing on home soil, had to settle for second place in the overall medal standings. China, traditionally one of the strongest shooting nations in Asia and a perennial medal table leader, found itself in third position. This shift in the continental hierarchy demonstrates India's tactical preparation, technical excellence, and mental fortitude that enabled it to outperform established shooting powerhouses.
World Record Performance Caps Spectacular Campaign
The championship's final day witnessed one of the most spectacular individual performances when India's Ankur Mittal delivered a world record-breaking display in the men's double trap event. Mittal's achievement not only secured him the gold medal but also etched his name in the world of shooting history. This world record performance served as the perfect conclusion to India's extraordinary campaign and demonstrated the nation's capability to compete at the highest international standards.
Rifle Shooting Dominance
In the precision-demanding 50-meter rifle 3-position events, Indian shooters demonstrated exceptional technical mastery. Sift Kaur Samra captured her maiden Asian title in the women's 50-meter rifle 3-position, marking a significant personal milestone and contributing to India's growing reputation in rifle events. Meanwhile, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar successfully defended his title in the men's 50-meter rifle 3-position, proving his consistency and establishing himself as a reliable medal prospect for future competitions.
Veteran shooter Manu Bhaker, known for her clutch performances in major competitions, added three bronze medals to India's impressive tally. Her bronze in the individual women's 10-meter air pistol event, along with two team bronze medals, demonstrated her versatility and experience in high-pressure situations. While these were bronze medals rather than gold, Bhaker's contributions proved crucial in India's overall medal accumulation strategy.
. . .
References: