India's Geeta Rani and Simple Kaur Bumrah reigned supreme with a series of record lifts to grab both the gold and the silver medals in an exciting +75 kg weightligting event at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne on Wednesday.
Geeta Rani established a new Games record with an overall lift of 241 kg, which included 104 kg in snatch section and 137 kg in clean and jerk to win the title at the Exhibition Centre.
Bumrah was just one kg adrift of her compatriot for the second place finish after hoisting 240 kg with a record lift of 105 kg in snatch and 135 kg in clean and jerk.
New Zealand's Keisha Dean Soffe grabbed the bronze with 224 kg (100kg+124kg).
Rani won the third and last weightlifting gold of the Games for India which ended up with the medal tally of three gold, six silver and one bronze to lead the table on the seventh day of the competition.
India has no representation in the men's 105 kg and +105 kg divisions.
Rani, who trailed Bumrah by one kg in the snatch, showed that she mean business when she raised the bar to 130 kg and eventually 137 kg to nudge Bumrah in the clean and jerk against Bumrah's lifts of 128 kg and 135 kg.
"I knew that to win I had to go higher because of my heavier bodyweight," said Rani, who was over six kg heavier than Bumrah.
In the process, the Indian duo set 11 Games records -- three in snatch, fourt in clean and jerk and four in overall -- in a nail-biting battle for the title.
Rani described it as the best performance of her career.
"It feels great to be called the strongest women. It gives me the confidence to do further well in Doha Asian Games. Thanks to my coaches, who inspired me for the feat," said the 24-year-old.
Bumrah, who just turned 20, said she would work hard for the other competitions inclusing the Asian Games.
"I will practise and improve my performance for the Asian Games. Age is on my side and I can do better," the Maharashtra girl said.
