Glasgow, July 28: Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu delivered a sensational performance to win the silver medal in the men’s 79kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The 21-year-old from Andhra Pradesh finished with a total lift of 330kg, comprising 149kg in the snatch and 181kg in the clean and jerk.

Ajaya Babu set a Commonwealth Games record in the snatch by lifting 149kg after making a successful third attempt. He entered the clean and jerk section in the lead and looked set for gold after lifting a Games record 181kg on his final attempt.

However, Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad responded with a remarkable final lift of 184kg, taking his total to 331kg and snatching the gold medal by just one kilogram. England’s Chris Murray claimed the bronze with a combined lift of 325kg.

Despite narrowly missing the top podium, Ajaya Babu’s silver was another major success for India’s weightlifting contingent and showcased his rapid rise in international competition.

The young lifter has enjoyed an impressive run over the past two years. He won gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad and earned direct qualification for the Glasgow Games. He also claimed double gold medals at the 2024 Commonwealth Championships in Fiji and represented India at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships.

Ajaya Babu’s outstanding performance added another medal to India’s growing tally at the Commonwealth Games and reinforced the country’s strong reputation in weightlifting on the international stage.