A New Weightlifting Star is Born: India's Priteesmita Bhoi Shatters Records at the Asian Youth Games 2025
A young Indian athlete has made history! Priteesmita Bhoi, a 16-year-old weightlifting sensation, has just set a new world youth record, leaving the sports world in awe. But here's where it gets controversial: her achievement isn't just about the record; it's about the medals and the unique scoring system at the Asian Youth Games.
On Sunday, at the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, Priteesmita Bhoi lifted an incredible 92kg in the clean and jerk section of the girls' 44kg category. This feat earned her not only a gold medal in that section but also a silver medal in the snatch section, where she lifted 66kg. With two medals in her pocket, she became a double-threat at the Games.
The Asian Youth Games have a unique medal system for weightlifting. Unlike traditional competitions, medals are awarded separately for the snatch and clean and jerk events, but there are no overall total medals. This means athletes like Priteesmita Bhoi can shine in their specific events, creating an exciting dynamic.
In the clean and jerk section, Bhoi started strong, lifting 87kg on her first attempt. She then increased the weight to 90kg on her second try, and with her final lift of 92kg, she not only secured the gold but also etched her name in the record books as the new world youth record holder in the girls' 44kg clean and jerk.
The competition was fierce, with Wu Jihong from the People's Republic of China lifting 88kg and Princess Jay Ann Diaz from the Philippines managing 78kg. But it was Bhoi's consistency and determination that set her apart.
Bhoi's achievement is even more impressive when you consider the snatch section. She lifted 66kg on her first attempt, securing silver. Her next two attempts, at 68kg and 69kg, were unsuccessful, but her overall total of 158kg (66kg snatch + 92kg clean and jerk) was the best among the seven competing weightlifters.
And this is the part most people miss: Bhoi's gold medal in the clean and jerk was India's first individual gold at the Asian Youth Games. The other two golds were won by India's men's and women's kabaddi teams. This shows the diversity of India's athletic prowess and the potential for individual athletes to shine on the global stage.
In other events, India's girls' medley relay team, comprising Edwina Jason, Tannu, Bhumika Nehate, and Shourya Ambure, won silver in the final, clocking an impressive 2:09.65s. Alphonsa Zinia Wriang also brought home a bronze medal for India in the girls' Wai Kru 16-17 final, scoring 8.47 points.
Wai Kru, a traditional ritual in Muay Thai, adds a unique cultural element to the Games, where athletes express themselves through performance.
The Indian mixed taekwondo team, featuring Hardik Ahlawat, Dhanashree Pawar, Gharluxmi Phurailatpam, and Nihal Dewali, also made waves, winning bronze after a tough semi-final loss to Thailand. They had earlier defeated Hong Kong China and Saudi Arabia to secure their medal.
With seven medals on Sunday, India's overall tally at the Asian Youth Games rose to an impressive 24 - three gold, ten silver, and eleven bronze. A total of 222 Indian athletes are representing their country at these Games, which conclude on October 31.
So, what do you think? Is the unique medal system at the Asian Youth Games a fair way to recognize athletes' achievements? Or should there be an overall total medal to crown the best of the best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
