Glasgow, 28 July (H.S.): India's weightlifter Valluri Ajay Babu delivered a remarkable performance to win the silver medal in the men's 79kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in the early hours of Tuesday (IST). Ajay Babu remained on course for the gold medal for most of the competition before Malaysia's Muhammad Eri Hidayat produced a Games record in his final lift to clinch the title.

Ajay Babu began his campaign with an outstanding performance in the snatch, successfully lifting 149kg to set a new Commonwealth Games record. After failing in his second attempt, he bounced back impressively to clear the same weight in his third attempt, finishing the snatch segment at the top of the standings.

The Indian lifter continued his excellent form in the clean and jerk, successfully completing all three of his attempts. He lifted 174kg, 178kg and 181kg respectively, taking his combined total to 330kg and moving within touching distance of the gold medal.

However, in the closing moments of the competition, Malaysia's Muhammad Eri Hidayat lifted 184kg in the clean and jerk to establish a new Commonwealth Games record. His total of 331kg secured the gold medal by the narrowest possible margin of just one kilogram.

Ajay Babu successfully completed five of his six attempts and also set a new Games record in the snatch, but had to settle for the silver medal after Hidayat's dramatic final lift.

England's Chris Murray claimed the bronze medal with a total lift of 325kg.

Ajay Babu's impressive performance added another medal to India's tally and further strengthened the country's rich legacy in Commonwealth Games weightlifting by securing yet another significant podium finish.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar