38th National Games in Uttarakhand 2025:
Bindyarani Devi shines with gold as Manipur bags two medals in Weightlifting at National Games (Jan 31)
Manipur’s star weightlifter, Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, delivered a stellar performance at the National Games, clinching the gold medal in the women’s 55kg category while setting a new National Record in the snatch segment.
She broke the record of 86kg held by Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Mirabai Chanu, also from Manipur. But Mirabai's pet event is 49kg. She competed in 55kg only for a brief period.
On why she didn’t go for 115 kg in her last attempt to breach the overall record of 202 kg, she explained, "My second attempt of 112 kg was not successful, so I thought that it's better to finish with a good lift. Had the second attempt been successful, I would have gone for 115 kg. But it's okay, I am happy with my performance."
Adding to Manipur’s joy, L. Nilam Devi secured the bronze medal, ensuring two podium finishes for the state.
Nilam, despite early struggles in the snatch with two unsuccessful attempts at 80 kg and 81 kg, successfully lifted 81 kg in her final attempt. She showed strong form in clean and jerk, lifting 98 kg and 101 kg in her first two attempts before narrowly missing 104 kg in her last attempt. Her determined effort earned Manipur another spot on the podium, reinforcing the state’s dominance in weightlifting.
Bindyarani Devi’s triumph and Manipur’s double medal haul highlight the state's deep talent pool in weightlifting and its continued tradition of producing top-tier athletes. The event was a proud moment for the state, further solidifying Manipur’s position as a powerhouse in Indian weightlifting.
