Weightlifter Achinta Sheuli bags India’s 3rd CWG Gold

Achinta Sheuli (73 kg), the Indian weightlifter, lived up to his high expectations by winning India’s third gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. 

Sheuli, lifted 313 kg (143 kg in snatch + 170 kg in clean and jerk) to win the gold. Erry Hidayat Muhammad of Malaysia, who gave Sheuli a stiff challenge, came in second place overall. 

His best attempt was 303 kg (138 kg plus 165 kg). Shad Darsigny of Canada came in third with a total lift of 298 kg (135 kg + 164 kg). 

“This was the first major event in my life and I’m thankful for them to help me reach here. This medal will help me in every aspect of life. There should not be looking back from now on.”

“I wish to dedicate this medal to my late dad (who died of heart attack), my brother and my coach Vjay Sharma who slaps me if I do a mistake, keeps scolding me like I’m his own child,” Sheuli added.

The Malaysian tried a 176kg lift in his final two attempts, but failed, so the Indian lifter had to wait patiently to find out what medal he’d bring home. When asked what advice his coach, Sharma, gave him prior to the final clean and jerk.

Asked what his coach Sharma told him before the final clean and jerk attempt, Sheuli said, “He told me this gold belongs to me just keep calm and go for it. I was a bit nervous but his performance was way below me and I went for it.”