Commonwealth Games: Weightlifter Sanket Sargar opens India's account with men's 55kg silver

Weightlifter Sanket Sargar on Saturday helped India open their account in the 2022 Commonwealth Games medal table by winning silver in the men’s 55kg final.

Sargar finished just behind Malaysia’s Aniq Kasdan, who snatched the coveted gold medal from the Indian in his third and final Clean and Jerk attempt of 142kg to finish with a total score of 249.

The Sangli native, who appeared to have suffered an injury during his final C&J attempt, finished with a score of 248, fractionally less than that of Kasdan though well ahead of Sri Lankan Dilanka Isuru Kumara, who registered a total score of 225 to take home bronze. Sargar was later seen wearing a sling on his right arm during the presentation ceremony after the event.

Sargar cruised past all his opponents in the snatch section, leading by six kilograms to head into clean and jerk.

Commonwealth Games: India schedule , Results , Medals tally

But the Indian was only able to execute one lift in the clean and jerk section as he picked up an injury and looked in agony after failing to lift 139kg in his second and third attempts.

In the last edition, Indian lifters brought home a rich haul of nine medals, including five golds. This year too they are expected to reign supreme.

Later on Saturday, P Gururaja (61kg), Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu (49kg) and S Bindyarani Devi (55kg) will vie for the top honours in their respective events.

All three weightlifters won the first medal for their respective nations, with Malaysia finding themselves sharing the sixth spot with Bermuda following Kasdan’s feat. India are within the Top 10, Sargar’s silver propelling them to the ninth spot while Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka share the 10th spot.

Australia lead the way in the medal table with 17 medals across two days, including nine gold, with hosts England at the second spot with 12 medals, including 3 gold.

With inputs from PTI

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