Gurunaidu Sanapathi has emerged as India’s first weightlifter to triumph a gold at the IWF Youth World Championships in Leon, Mexico.
Sanapathi, 16, secured gold with a total effort of 230kg (104kg+126kg) in the boy’s 55kg event.
Whilst Sanapathi, the 2020 Asian Youth Weightlifitng Championships bronze medallist, stood on top, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majeed 229kg (105kg+124kg) was second and Yerassyl Umrov of Kazakhstan 224kg (100kg+124kg) third.
Besides Sanapathi, fellow countryman Soumya S. Dalvi pocketed the bronze in her event on Day 2 of competitions.
Maharashtra’s Dalvi, a two-time Khelo India Youth gold medallist, lifted 148kg (65kg+83kg) to secure the third spot in the 45kg girl’s event behind Rose J Ramos of Philipines 155kg (70kg+85kg) and Venezuela Kerlys M. Montilla 153kg (71kg+82kg).
The other Indian in the clash, R Bhavani concluded 8th with a best effort of 132kg(57kg+75kg).
India’s tally at the word event now stands at 4 medals.
On the opening day of tournament, Akansha Kishor Vyavhare and Vijay Prajapati had triumphed silver medals in their respective events.
India had not taken part in the previous season of the tourney which was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last year.
