Ajaya Babu Valluri Wins Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting

Indian weightlifting continues to shine on the international stage, with Ajaya Babu Valluri clinching a gold medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad. His performance added to India’s growing medal tally at the event and secured his qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Ajaya Babu’s Winning Performance

Competing in the men’s 79kg category, Ajaya Babu Valluri lifted a combined total of 335 kilograms, narrowly edging past Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry (333 kg). Nigeria’s Adedapo Adeleke secured bronze with 306 kg.

This close contest highlighted Ajaya Babu’s strength and composure under pressure, cementing his place as one of India’s rising stars in the sport.

Other Indian Medal Winners

India’s dominance at the championship has been further highlighted by,

• Harjinder Kaur, who bagged a bronze medal in the women’s 69kg category, lifting a total of 222 kg.
• Mirabai Chanu, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medallist, who had earlier given India a golden start by winning the women’s 48kg category with an impressive lift. Her victory also secured her spot for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• The 30th edition of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships is hosting over 300 lifters from 31 nations, making India’s medal haul particularly significant.

Significance of the Achievement

• Ajaya Babu’s victory is not only a personal milestone but also a boost for Indian weightlifting, which has consistently delivered at international platforms.
• With India set to send a strong contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, these early qualifications highlight the nation’s medal prospects.
• The wins further build confidence in India’s youth talent pool, following the footsteps of veterans like Mirabai Chanu.