Bhubaneswar : Ajaya Babu’s Golden Lift
Ajaya Babu Valluri captured the spotlight at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad by earning gold in the men’s 79kg category with a total lift of 335 kilograms, narrowly defeating Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry, who lifted 333kg, and Nigeria’s Adedapo Adeleke, who managed 306kg. Ajaya’s heroic performance included a tense recovery after missing his opening snatch attempt, culminating in a flawless clean and jerk sequence that sealed his victory and qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026.
Fulfilling His Father’s Dream
Ajaya’s journey to the top is woven with family legacy and personal ambition. Weightlifting is in his blood, with Ajaya continuing the pursuits of his father, V. Ajaya Babu, who dreamed of his son capturing a Commonwealth Games gold. This victory marks Ajaya as a two-time gold medallist for India, representing not only national glory but also the fulfillment of a heartfelt family aspiration.
Rising Stars and Indian Medal Haul
- Ajaya’s gold stands among other Indian weightlifting successes at the championship:
- Mirabai Chanu, the Olympic silver medallist, dominated the women’s 48kg category and secured her Commonwealth Games berth.
- Harjinder Kaur showed resilience, clinching bronze in the women’s 69kg event after overcoming initial setbacks.
- The 30th edition of these championships saw over 300 lifters from 31 nations competing, amplifying India’s pride and prospects on the world stage.
Significance and Road Ahead
Ajaya Babu’s triumph is a beacon for India’s emerging sporting talent, symbolizing a new generation ready to challenge the world while honoring their roots. With Indian lifters already qualifying for the Commonwealth Games 2026, the country’s talent pipeline looks more robust than ever. Ajaya’s journey, inspired by his father’s dreams, now stands as living proof that family legacies can fuel international success and motivate future champions.
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