POKHARA, Dec 6: Sanju Chaudhary claimed first 13th South Asian Games (SAG) gold for Nepal in weightlifting which started at Pokhara on Thursday.

In the 59 kg category, Chaudhary lifted 74 kg in snatch and 97 kg in clean and jerk to win the gold at a total of 171 kg. Chaudhary defeated Sri Lanka’s M. N. S. Rajapakse who lifted a total of 161 kg, 70 in snatch and 91 in clean and jerk. Similarly, Pakistan’s Fayma Akhtar missed out on silver by whiskers lifting 160 kg, 70 kg in snatch and 90 kg in clean and jerk. 

In 45 kg category, Nepal’s Sangita Rai won bronze by lifting 127 kg, 57 in snatch and 70 in clean and jerk. Rai break her own national record previously being at 112 kg. In the same event, India’s Jhili Dalabera won gold lifting 151 kg which included 66 in snatch and 75 in clean and jerk. Likewise, Sri Lanka’s Simari Samarakoon lost the final with 139 kg which included 58 in snatch and 81 in clean and jerk.

In men’s category for 55 kg, Nepal Army Club’s Tularam Mahato secured bronze medal lifting 178 kg. He lifted 80 in snatch and 98 in clean and jerk. In the category participated by three national only, Sri Lanka’s YDI Kumara won gold lifting a total of 235 kg, 105 in snatch and 130 in clean and jerk. Similarly, Bangladesh’s Raj Kumar Rai lifted 184 kg to secure silver medal. He lifted 80 in snatch and 104 in clean and jerk.

 
• SAG
 
• weightlifting