#YouthOlympics: Mizo weightlifting sensation claims India's first gold
Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga scripted history by winning India's maiden gold medal at the Youth Olympics, being held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Claiming the top honors in men's 62kg category, the 15-year-old from Aizwal lifted a total of 274kg (124kg +150kg). The silver went to Turkey's Toptas Caner, who lifted 263kg (122kg+141kg), while bronze went to Colombia's Villar Estiven Jose, who lifted 260kg (115kg+143kg).
Lalrinnunga was an aspiring boxer before he shifted to weightlifting
Lalrinnunga, who will turn 16 on October 26, is being touted as the next big thing in Indian weightlifting. "His father, Lalneihtluanga, is a former boxer who has seven national-level gold medals," said N Thangchungnunga, President of Mizoram Weightlifting Association. Lalrinnunga was, himself, an aspiring boxer before he shifted to weightlifting and was picked up by Army Sports Institute scouts in 2011.
Records broken: Lalrinnunga claimed silver, bronze in Asian Championships
Earlier this year, Lalrinnunga claimed a silver (youth) and a bronze (junior) in the Asian Championships, smashing two national records in the process. His maiden gold also means that India are set to record their best ever performance at the Youth Olympics.
Indian have already won four medals at the ongoing Games
India have already won four medals with Tushar Mane and Mehuli Ghosh bagging a silver each in 10m rifle shooting while Thangjam Tababi Devi won India's first medal in judo by finishing second in 44kg category. India won just two medals in the 2014 Youth Olympics held in Nanjing, China. In inaugural 2010 edition, country fetched six silver and a couple of bronze medals.
In TT, Archana and Manav won their matches
While Lalrinnunga made the nation proud, weightlifter Sneha Soren could not finish on the podium in the women's 48kg category, signing off fifth. In other events, Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar, India's representatives in table tennis, won their singles matches of the group stage. Kamath beat Malaysia's Javen Choong 4-2 while Thakkar defeated Slovakia's Aleksandra Vovk 4-1.
Indian hockey team thrashed Austria by 9-1
Meanwhile, India's hockey team gave a big reason to smile as it thrashed Austria 9-1. Rising badminton sensation Lakshya Sen had it tough against Danylo Bosniuk in the first game before he regained his composure to beat him 23-21, 21-8. India are being represented by 47 athletes at the ongoing Games, its biggest ever contingent. Manu Bhaker held the flag in the opening ceremony.
