Lakhipuronline Digital Desk : Maibam Nartina Devi, one of the great weightlifters from Manipur, brought laurels to India at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Doha, Qatar on December 25, 2024. Contesting in the junior 87+ kg category, Martina won two silver medals and one bronze, in addition to an impressive list of achievements in this sport.
Tough Competition
Martina took her first step to victory by snatching 96 kg to secure the bronze medal. Here, she could not gain her personal best of 237 kg but still had an overall total of 225 kg enough for a silver medal. This time, her performance in the clean and jerk came out as bright as she left with another silver by lifting 129 kg. The last attempt for the clean and jerk at 136 kg unfortunately went in vain, as she had a slight knee injury when attempting the effort.
India‘s Medal Tally at the Championships
Martina‘s contribution ended strong for India in the junior competition, bringing the total tally of medals to 12, consisting of 8 silver and 4 bronze. Earlier, Parv Chaudhary notched two bronze medals in the 96 kg category, lifting a total of 303 kg, with 135 kg in snatch and 168 kg in clean and jerk.
India showcased remarkable strength in the youth section, securing a total of 21 medals: 7 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. This success underscores the rising talent in Indian weightlifting and reflects the efforts of young athletes like Martina Devi Maibam.
A Rising Star in Weightlifting
Martina has already made waves on the global stage. The 18-year-old was at the Junior World Championships this year where she broke national records in the +87 kg category. She has set new junior and senior records, lifting a total of 237 kg to surpass the previous senior national record of 231 kg held by Ann Mariya M T. This great performance placed her in sixth position, making her a bright young prospect in weightlifting.
Inspiring Sport circles in Manipur
Martina‘s success has come through sheer hard work and dedication. Not only has she boosted India‘s growing stature in international weightlifting, but Martina also inspires youth to pursue sports careers.
As Martina continues to break new ground and raise the bar, she is obviously a name to watch on the weightlifting scene. Her journey reminds everyone of what exists in the store for India‘s youth in terms of sports.