The 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships, hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, continued to deliver high-voltage drama on Day 2 (May 13, 2026).
With China and North Korea flexing their supremacy and Indian athletes fighting valiantly on home soil, Day 2 featured sessions in the Women’s 53kg, Men’s 65kg, and Women’s 58kg categories. The atmosphere was electric as the championships marked India’s return to hosting this prestigious event after decades.
Women’s 53kg: India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav Grabs Bronze with Personal Best Snatch
The day kicked off with the Women’s 53kg session, and India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav stole the spotlight. She powered through a sensational snatch of 88kg — a personal best that earned her the silver medal in that discipline — before posting a clean & jerk of 106kg for a total of 194kg, securing the bronze medal overall.
- Gold: Zhao Jinlan (China) – 216kg (95kg snatch / 121kg C&J)
- Silver: Nguyen Hoai Huong (Vietnam) – 195kg (87kg / 108kg)
- Bronze: Gyaneshwari Yadav (India) – 194kg (88kg / 106kg)
Yadav’s performance was one of the emotional highs of the live broadcast, with the Indian crowd erupting as she stepped onto the podium. It marked India’s second medal of the championships after Komal Kohar’s bronze in the 48kg category on Day 1.
Men’s 65kg: China’s He Yueji Shatters World Records
The Men’s 65kg session turned into a masterclass in power and technique. China’s He Yueji delivered a jaw-dropping performance, lifting 146kg in the snatch and an astonishing 183kg in the clean & jerk for a total of 329kg. His clean & jerk and total lifts set new world records, underlining China’s continued dominance in the sport.
India’s Raja Muthupandi gave a solid account, finishing 7th overall with a total of 293kg (129kg snatch / 164kg C&J). While not on the podium, his effort showcased the depth of Indian talent and the fighting spirit the home crowd loved.
Women’s 58kg: North Korea Rules as Bindyarani Devi Finishes Strong
The final session of the day saw North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong dominate the Women’s 58kg, posting 230kg (105kg snatch / 125kg C&J) to take gold. China’s Wei Tingna and Vietnam’s Thi Tam Quang rounded out the podium with 225kg and 221kg respectively.
India’s Bindyarani Devi finished 5th with a respectable 203kg (89kg / 114kg). She pushed hard in every attempt, and the broadcast commentary praised her resilience and technical improvements.
India’s Growing Momentum on Home Turf
After two days, India has secured two bronze medals (Komal Kohar in 48kg and Gyaneshwari Yadav in 53kg). The home advantage in Gandhinagar was palpable — packed stands, passionate commentary on Prasar Bharati Sports, and visible national pride.
The championships (running approximately May 11–17, 2026) are proving to be a landmark event for Indian weightlifting, with several personal bests and strong showings against Asia’s best.
Watch the Full Action
Missed the live coverage? Catch the complete Day 2 replay here:
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Stay tuned for more thrilling days ahead as the championships unfold. India is rising in weightlifting, and events like these are building the foundation for future Olympic glory.
Which lift was your favorite from Day 2? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
