India's Harjinder Kaur claimed the bronze medal in the women's 71kg weightlifting competition after a dramatic climax at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Monday.
India's Harjinder Kaur claimed the bronze medal in the women's 71kg weightlifting competition after a dramatic climax at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Monday.
Luck was on Harjinder's side as she was assured of a podium finish after Nigeria's gold medal favourite Joy Eze was knocked out following three failed attempts in the clean and jerk category.
England's Sarah Davies won the gold medal with a total of 229 kgs, while Canada's Alexis Ashworth bagged the silver with 214. Harjinder totalled 212 (93 in snatch and 119 in clean and jerk).
On her way to the gold medal, Davies also broke the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games record.
Also read: CWG 2022: A look at India's schedule for Day 5 at the Commonwealth Games
To start with, Harjinder failed to lift 90kg snatch in her first attempt. Under pressure, the Indian bounced back and lifted 90kg snatch on her second attempt, a personal best. Harjinder, then, lifted 93kg snatch in her third attempt to stay in contention for a podium finish.
Heading into the clean and jerk round, Harjinder was in for a close fight with Australia's Kiana Elliot for bronze.
A silver medallist at last year's Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, the Indian started the clean and jerk round with 113kg, went for 116 kg in the next attempt, and lifted 119kg on her third attempt.
Following this victory, congratulatory messages poured in for Harjinder Kaur, with PM Narendra Modia and President Droupadi Murmu leading the wishes.
Also read: CWG 2022: Weightlifter Ajay Singh barely misses out on bronze
"Our weightlifting contingent has performed exceptionally well at the Birmingham CWG. Continuing this, Harjinder Kaur wins a Bronze medal. Congratulations to her for this special accomplishment. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours," PM Modi tweeted.
"Congratulations to Harjinder Kaur for winning the bronze medal in weightlifting at #CommonwealthGames. She has overcome many a hurdle in her life to reach the podium. It is a very inspiring story for all. May you achieve greater glory in the years to come," President Murmu tweeted.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on Twitter:
Our weightlifting contingent has performed exceptionally well at the Birmingham CWG. Continuing this, Harjinder Kaur wins a Bronze medal. Congratulations to her for this special accomplishment. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/0dPzgkWT3y
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Congratulations to Harjinder Kaur for winning the bronze medal in weightlifting at . She has overcome many a hurdle in her life to reach the podium. It is a very inspiring story for all. May you achieve greater glory in the years to come.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)Congratulations Harjinder Kaur on your maiden medal win at CWG !!!
Your journey from a village in Punjab to the international podium for a 🥉 will motivate many youngsters to pursue their dreams! pic.twitter.com/bfqMQzEZmp
Congratulate on winning medal in women's 71kg weightlifting at . May she continue to excel in her sporting career and bring more glory for the nation. Wish her all the best for future. https://t.co/QdwJVrwFpk
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha)Congratulations to Harjinder Kaur for winning Bronze medal in Women’s 71 Kg weightlifting. Superb performance by her! The nation is very proud!
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51)Congratulations!
Weightlifter Harjinder Kaur does us proud by winning a 🥉 for India 🇮🇳 at 🏋️♀️ pic.twitter.com/BvLS4DtThk
Congratulations for bagging bronze 🥉 in women's 71kg category at . Best wishes for your future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/aB9sPaVVxQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah)One more medal in weightlifting. This is a proud and joyful moment brought to us Indians by Harjinder Kaur, who won bronze in women’s 71 kg weightlifting.
What a performance by her. Congratulations to her for this achievement https://t.co/hLSYKvHfIN
And it's Bronze🥉for Harjinder Kaur and India !!!
Congratulations for bagging Bronze 🥉 in the Women's Weightlifting 71kg final at
We are all very proud! pic.twitter.com/95nU7MGSR3
Heartfelt congratulations to Sushila Devi 🥈, Vijay Kumar 🥉 & Harjinder Kaur 🥉 for bringing laurels to the nation in Judo & Weightlifting.
We are proud of your performances. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/V42iqalvsm
Kudos to our weightlifters ! !
You all have performed well and made India Proud.
Congratulations to Harjinder kaur for winning Bronze medal under 71kg category. pic.twitter.com/3aSOMl5HNY
Congratulations to Harjinder Kaur for bagging the Bronze medal in Women's 71kg weightlifting competition at . The continued success of our weightlifters at will motivate many budding weightlifters. Wishing her the very best for her future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/sqgBTvwMXR
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat)7th🏅for Bharat at !
Congratulations to on winning🥉in 🏋♀️ in the Women's 71KG category.
Your endeavors & success will inspire girls to take up sports. My best wishes are always with you! pic.twitter.com/XQ3G5IPhud
Congratulations Harjinder kaur and Vijay Kumar on winning the 🥉 medal 🇮🇳
We are proud of you pic.twitter.com/BBubqgTEJA
(With inputs from PTI)