15-year-old weightlifter Pritismita Bhoi, hailing from Dhenkanal, a rural region of Odisha, made history in Lima, the capital of Peru, by clinching the gold medal and setting a new world record at the World Youth Weightlifting Championships. Competing in the 40 kg weight category, Pritismita achieved a total weight lift of 133 kg (57 kg in snatch and 76 kg in clean and jerk), surpassing the previous world record of 75 kg.
Additionally, Jyoshana Sabar, also from Odisha, secured the silver medal in the same weight category with a total weight of 125 kg. Pritismita's ground breaking achievement marks the second time a youth weightlifter has set a world record, following Mirabai Chanu. Notably, Pritismita is the first Indian weightlifter to establish a world record in the youth category, while Chanu holds a world record in the senior category for clean and jerk.
Despite facing adversity with the loss of her father during childhood, Pritismita and her sister were raised single-handedly by their mother. Introduced to weightlifting at a young age, Pritismita's talent was recognized by coach Gopal Krishna Das, propelling her towards success. In a remarkable display of dedication, within four years, both sisters began to yield impressive results.
India's commendable performance continued on the opening day of the championship in Lima, with the nation securing four medals. Alongside Pritismita and Jyoshna's achievements in the 40 kg weight category, Payal claimed silver in the 45 kg weight category by lifting 147 kg (65 kg in snatch and 82 kg in clean and jerk). Further more, Baburam Hembrom clinched the bronze medal in the boys' 49 kg weight category with a total weight lift of 193 kg (86 kg in snatch and 107 kg in clean and jerk).
