Heartbreaking! India continued its impressive run at the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Ajaya Babu secured a silver medal in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event after a dramatic contest that was decided by just 1 kilogram.
The talented lifter from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh produced a remarkable performance by lifting a Games record 149kg in the snatch and 181kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 330kg.
Despite his outstanding effort, Ajaya narrowly missed the gold medal as Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad finished with a Games record total of 331kg (147kg + 184kg).
England’s Chris Murray claimed the bronze medal with a total lift of 325kg.
Ajaya Babu’s Outstanding Performance
Ajaya Babu displayed exceptional consistency throughout the competition.
Lift Summary
| Event | Weight |
|---|---|
| Snatch | 149kg (Games Record) |
| Clean & Jerk | 181kg |
| Total | 330kg (Silver Medal) |
His 149kg lift in the snatch section established a new Games record and placed him at the top of the standings before the clean and jerk competition.
Dramatic Final Battle for Gold
The clean and jerk event produced one of the most thrilling moments of the Commonwealth Games.
Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad initially lifted 181kg to break the Games record.
Moments later, Ajaya Babu successfully lifted 181kg, reclaiming the Games record with a total of 330kg, sending Indian supporters into celebration.
However, the Malaysian weightlifter responded with an incredible 184kg lift in his final attempt, finishing with 331kg to clinch the gold medal and set another Games record.
Ajaya finished just 1kg behind, earning a well-deserved silver medal after one of the closest contests of the competition.
Incredible Comeback in Snatch
Ajaya showed tremendous mental strength after failing his second attempt at 149kg in the snatch.
Under immense pressure, he returned for his final attempt and successfully lifted 149kg, creating a new Games record and taking the lead before the clean and jerk event.
At the end of the snatch competition:
- Ajaya Babu – 149kg (Games Record)
- Chris Murray – 148kg
- Erry Hidayat Muhammad – 147kg
India’s Strong Weightlifting Campaign
Ajaya Babu’s silver medal became India’s sixth medal in weightlifting during the Commonwealth Games 2026.
Earlier in the competition:
- Rishikanta Singh won silver.
- Mirabai Chanu captured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
- Gyaneshwari Yadav secured silver.
- Bindyarani Devi earned bronze.
Ajaya’s achievement marked India’s third weightlifting medal on Monday, underlining the country’s dominance in the sport.
Medal Winners – Men’s 79kg Weightlifting
🥇 Gold: Erry Hidayat Muhammad (Malaysia) – 331kg
🥈 Silver: Ajaya Babu (India) – 330kg
🥉 Bronze: Chris Murray (England) – 325kg
Note: Mirabai Chanu wins India’s first gold at Commonwealth Games 2026 in weightlifting
Conclusion
Ajaya Babu delivered one of India’s finest performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026, showcasing remarkable determination and resilience. Although he narrowly missed the gold medal by just 1kg, his Games-record lift and silver-medal finish added another proud chapter to India’s successful weightlifting campaign. His performance reinforces India’s growing strength in international weightlifting and sets the stage for future success on the global stage.