🌟 A Golden Moment for India

India’s rising weightlifting star Priteesmita Bhoi has made history at the Youth Asian Games 2025, breaking the world youth record in the clean and jerk event. Competing in the girls’ 44kg category, the 16-year-old lifted a stunning 92kg in clean and jerk, along with 66kg in snatch, achieving a total of 158kg to secure the gold medal for India.

🏅 Record-Breaking Performance

Bhoi started her clean and jerk round strong with 87kg, followed by 90kg in her second attempt. On her third lift, she made a perfect 92kg, setting a new world youth record.
In the snatch segment, she lifted 66kg successfully, though her attempts at 68kg and 69kg were unsuccessful.

Her remarkable total of 158kg put her ahead of China’s Wu Jihong, who took silver with 156kg (68kg snatch, 88kg clean & jerk), and Vietnam’s Dao Thi Yen, who earned bronze with 141kg.

👧 The Story Behind the Champion

Born in Dhenkanal, Odisha, Priteesmita’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She lost her father at the age of two and, along with her sister, was raised by their mother under challenging circumstances.

Their talent caught the attention of coach Gopal Das, who first noticed them participating in track and field events at Kendriya Vidyalaya. Recognizing their strength and discipline, he encouraged their mother to let them try weightlifting—a decision that changed their lives forever.

🌍 Rising Through the Ranks

Priteesmita has been breaking records from a young age.

  • 🏆 At the 2024 Youth World Weightlifting Championships, she set a world record in the clean and jerk event in the 40kg category, earning gold.

  • 🥇 Earlier this year, she also claimed gold in the 44kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

Her dedication, coupled with her mother’s support and her coach’s guidance, continues to make her a symbol of resilience and excellence in Indian sports.

🇮🇳 India’s Overall Performance at the Youth Asian Games

India’s strong showing at the Youth Asian Games continued beyond Priteesmita Bhoi’s win.

  • Maharajan Arumugapandian, 17, claimed silver in the boys’ 60kg category with a total of 256kg (114kg snatch, 142kg clean & jerk).

    • China’s Chen Xunfa took gold with 261kg.

India’s medal tally rose to 23 medals — including 3 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze — marking a stellar performance across multiple sports.

In athletics, the girls’ medley relay team (Edwina Jason, Tannu, Avinash Shourya, and Bhumika Nehate) secured silver with a time of 2:09.65, while the boys’ team finished fifth.

Other notable performances included:

  • 🚴‍♀️ Anjali Jakhar – 4th in cycling individual time trial (17:43.89)

  • 🥉 Siya Banjara & Misti Karmakar – 7th & 8th in javelin throw

  • 🥊 Khushi Chand & Aahana Sharma – advanced to boxing semifinals

  • 🥊 Anshika – victory in the 80+kg quarterfinals

đź’¬ A New Era for Indian Weightlifting

Priteesmita Bhoi’s world-record performance has not only brought pride to Odisha but also inspired young athletes across India. Her story of perseverance and triumph reminds us that true champions are built through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

With her eyes set on future global competitions, India can look forward to many more record-breaking lifts from this young prodigy.