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CWG: Weightlifter Sanket Sargar gives India its first medal

Sargar won the silver medal in the men's 55kg category

Sanket Sargar in action in the weightlifting men's 55kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham | Reuters Sanket Sargar in action in the weightlifting men's 55kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham | Reuters

India's Sanket Sargar opened the country's medal tally at the Commonwealth Games by claiming a silver medal in the men's 55kg category in Birmingham on Saturday.

The 21-year-old looked on course to win the gold but two failed clean and jerk attempts spoiled his chances as he lifted a total of 248kg (113kg+135kg) to finish second.

Malaysia's Mohamad Aniq (249kg) smashed the Games record in clean and jerk as he lifted 249kg (107kg+142kg) to win the gold, while Sri Lanka's Dilanka Isuru Kumara 225kg (105kg+120kg) took home the bronze.

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

But the Indian was only able to execute one lift in the clean and jerk section as he seemingly picked up an injury and looked in agony after he failed 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 in the day, P. Gururaja (61kg), Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu (49kg) and S. Bindyarani Devi (55kg) will vie for the top honours in their respective events.

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