Back in 1951, New Delhi, India, hosted its first grand sport, known as the 1951 Asian Games. This event, often called the First Asiad or 1951 Asiad, occurred from the 4th to the 11th of March. It was a time when 489 athletes from 11 Asian countries came together to honor Asian games and friendships. These 489 athletes took part in different sports, including weightlifting. In this article, we will discuss Indian athletes who have secured medals in weightlifting during the Asian Games.
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India’s Weightlifting Triumphs at the 1951 Asian Games
The weightlifting competitions occurred from the 5th to the 8th of March during the 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi, India. In the 1951 Games, Kamineni Eswara Rao secured the silver medal in the middle heavyweight (90 kg) category, while Dandamudi Rajagopal earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight 90+ kg category.
1982 Asian Games Weightlifting: Indias Bronze Glory
The weightlifting contests unfolded between November 20 and November 29 during the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi, India. Exclusively featuring men’s events. Gian Singh Cheema and Tara Singh nailed the bronze medal at the 1982 Games in the 100 kg category.
1986 Asian Games Weightlifting
The weightlifting battles occurred from September 21 to October 1, 1986, during the 1986 Asian Games held at the Olympic Weightlifting Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea.
China emerged as the leader in the medal tally, securing five gold medals. South Korea followed with three gold medals, while Japan and Lebanon claimed one gold medal each. Additionally, Gurunathan Muthuswamy from India earned the bronze medal in the 52 kg category during the 1982 Games.
Women’s Triumphs in 1990 Asian Games Weightlifting
The weightlifting events unfolded between September 23 and October 1, 1990, during the 1990 Asian Games held at the Ditan Gymnasium in Beijing, China.
The medal tally saw remarkable successes from Indian women lifters. Kunjarani Devi secured the bronze medal in the 44kg category, while Chhaya Adak claimed the bronze in the 52kg category. Bharti Singh’s efforts earned her a silver medal in the 82.5 kg category, and Jyotsna Dutta’s exceptional performance led her to win a silver medal in the 82.5+ kg category.
Women’s Weightlifting Success in the 1994 Asian Games
The weightlifting events occurred from October 3 to October 10, 1994, as part of the 1994 Asian Games held at the Saeki Ward Sports Center in Hiroshima, Japan.
The women-led medal tally witnessed remarkable victories. Kunjarani Devi clinched the bronze medal in the 46kg category, while Karnam Malleswari secured the silver medal in the 54kg category. Neelam Setti Laxmi proudly earned the bronze medal in the 59 kg category, and Bharti Singh’s exceptional performance led her to a silver medal in the 83+ kg category.
1998 Asian Games Weightlifting
The weightlifting events occurred from December 7 to December 14 during the 1998 Asian Games at the Bangkok Land Sports Complex in Bangkok, Thailand. In a splendid show of strength and skill, Karnam Malleswari brought glory to India by securing the silver medal in the 63kg category for women.
