UTTARAKHAND, Jan 31: Manipur’s weightlifting star, S Bindyarani Devi, clinched the gold medal in the women’s 55kg category at the ongoing National Games on January 31, 2025, while also setting a new national record in the snatch.

Despite facing an early setback by failing her first snatch attempt at 83 kg, Bindyarani showcased remarkable determination and lifted 88 kg in her final attempt, breaking the previous national record of 86 kg set by Mirabai Chanu, who competed in the 55kg category only briefly. Bindyarani’s dominance continued in the clean and jerk, where she successfully lifted 107 kg on her first attempt, faltered at 112 kg on her second, but bounced back to lift 113 kg on her final attempt. Her combined total of 201 kg was just one kilogram shy of her national record of 202 kg.

Adding to Manipur’s success at the Games, L. Nilam Devi secured the bronze medal in the same event, ensuring two podium finishes for the state. Nilam, who struggled with early snatch attempts at 80 kg and 81 kg, successfully lifted 81 kg on her third attempt. She showed resilience in the clean and jerk, lifting 98 kg and 101 kg, though she narrowly missed 104 kg on her final attempt. This remarkable performance from Bindyarani and Nilam highlights the continued strength of Manipur’s weightlifting athletes at the national level.