The Indian challenge was kept afloat as SAI-trained CPR Sudhir Kumar and Sandhya Rani won bronze medals in the men's 69 kg and women's 48 kg respectively in the weightlifting competition of the first Afro Asian Games with China winning both the golds.
Sudhir, competing with an injured elbow, lifted a total of 290 kg, comprising 135 in snatch and 155 in clean and jerk, to take the bronze, while Chen Chufu finished with a tally of 315 -- 140 and 175 kgs -- to win the yellow metal.
Sitthisak Suphalak of Thailand finished second with 292 kg, 130 in snatch and 162.5 in clean and jerk.
In the women's section, National Games medal winner Sandhya Rani fumbled when it mattered most and had rest to content with a bronze medal with a tally of 157.5 kg (70 and 87.5).
China's Jie Xiaomei lifted 187.5 kg to take the gold.
Seventeen-year-old Adekola Joke of Nigeria added one more medal to his country's tally by taking the silver in the event with a tally of 165 kg (72.5 and 92.5).
In the snatch event, Sandhya failed in her first attempt and made amends in the second to lift 67.5 kg and improved it to 70 in the final attempt. But the Chinese girl was too good for the others as she lifted 75 kg in her very first attempt and then went on to lift 82.5 kg in the second.
In the clean and jerk, 23-year-old Sandhya got the jury's nod for a lift of 87.5 kg but then faltered in her next two attempts for 95 and 97.5 kg while Adekola lifted 92.5 kg to take the second spot.
Results:
Women 48 kg: 1-Jie Xiaomei(Chi) 187.5kg (82.5, 105), 2-Adekola Joke(Ngr) 165 kg (72.5, 92.5), 3-Sandhya Rani (Ind) 157.5 kg (70, 87.5).
© 2024 Rediff.com -