Host India rounded off its campaign in the weightlifting competitions of the 12th South Asian Games by winning its 11th gold medal out of a total 14 through Sushila Panwar at the Bhogeswari indoor stadium here on Tuesday.
The host country lost the titles in the men’s 62 kg and women’s 63 kg on account of the no-lifts registered by its standard-bearers over the last three days.
Gurdeep Singh took silver in the men’s +105 kg category, which was won by Pakistan teenager Muhammed Butt, who was just too strong for his Indian rival.
Like her compatriots who came through easily in their respective weight categories, Sushila, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, was hardly pressed as she outclassed the field in the +75 kg class. The 22-year-old returned a card of 88 kg in snatch and 110 kg in clean and jerk as she posted a winning total of 198 kg ahead of Ishani Annushka (Sri Lanka) and Tara Devi Pun (Nepal).
The Sri Lankan finished with 173 kg while the lifter from Nepal was tied with Juhora Khatun (Bangladesh) at 165 kg before winning the bronze medal on weight.
Commenting on the performances of the home team lifters, N. Kunjurani Devi, a true icon of the sport in the country and currently one of the coaches of the Indian team, said that she was both happy and disappointed with the overall showing.
“I am happy that our lifters performed well in all categories. However, I am disappointed for both Anbarasu Gopal and Reena who were unable to complete the competition and win medals due to no-lifts. Of course, this happens at times but it would have been a real icing on the cake had they too won in front of this crowd, who were supportive all through.”
Results
Men - +105kg: 1 Muhammed Butt (Pak), 160+200=360, 2. Gurdeep Singh (Ind), 155+190-345, 3. Saman Abeywickrama (SL), 120+155=275.
Women -+75kg: 1. Sushila Panwar (Ind), 88+110=198, 2. Ishani Annushka (SL), 77+96= 173, 3. Tara Devi Pun (Nep), 70+95=165.
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