In a momentous achievement for Indian weightlifting, Bindyarani Devi etched her name in history by securing a bronze medal at the 2024 IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand. Competing in the non-Olympic women’s 55kg category, Bindyarani’s remarkable performance showcased her strength, determination, and unwavering spirit.
The Medal-Winning Lift
Bindyarani Devi’s total lift of 196kg (comprising an 83kg snatch and a 113kg clean and jerk) propelled her to the podium, where she stood proudly as the first Indian to win a medal at this prestigious event¹². Her achievement is a testament to years of rigorous training, resilience, and the unwavering support of her coaches and teammates.
The Journey to Glory
1. Snatch Event
- Bindyarani began her evening with a failed attempt at lifting 83kg during the snatch event. Undeterred, she succeeded on her second attempt, demonstrating her mental fortitude.
- Her next attempt to lift 86kg fell short, but she remained focused on the task ahead.
2. Clean and Jerk Event
- In the clean and jerk, Bindyarani recorded 110kg and 113kg in her first two attempts, showcasing her technical prowess.
- Her final clean and jerk attempt of 119kg proved challenging, but her overall performance secured her a silver medal in this category as well.
The Podium Finish
- Gold Medal: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Kang Hyon Gyong clinched the gold with a lift of 234kg (103kg snatch + 131kg clean and jerk).
- Silver Medal: Romania’s Mihaela Cambei secured silver with a personal best of 201kg (91kg snatch + 110kg clean and jerk).
- Bronze Medal: Bindyarani Devi’s historic achievement added a bronze to India’s medal tally, inspiring a nation.
Olympic Qualification Ranking
- Bindyarani Devi currently holds the 29th place in the Olympic Qualification Ranking for the women’s 59kg category.
- The top 10 ranked eligible lifters in the OQR for each weight category obtain a quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Mirabai Chanu’s Performance
- Mirabai Chanu, another Indian weightlifting sensation, competed in the women’s 49kg category and finished 12th in Phuket.
- With her overall ranking, Mirabai is poised to secure a quota for India at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Bindyarani Devi’s bronze medal win at the 2024 IWF World Cup is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across India. Her dedication, perseverance, and indomitable spirit exemplify the essence of sportsmanship. As the curtains fall on the IWF World Cup, we celebrate Bindyarani’s historic achievement and eagerly await her next triumphs on the global stage.