Indian weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, securing two medals in the women’s 53 kg category.
Gyaneshwari clinched a silver medal in the snatch section before adding an overall bronze medal with a combined lift of 194 kg.
Her strong showing continued India’s encouraging campaign at the continental championship being held in Gujarat.
Silver in snatch and bronze overall
Competing against some of Asia’s top weightlifters, Gyaneshwari produced a commendable display in the snatch category to finish second and secure the silver medal.
In the overall standings, she registered a total lift of 194 kg, which earned her the bronze medal in the event.
The gold medal in the category went to China’s Jinlan Zhao, who dominated the competition with a combined lift of 216 kg.
Vietnam’s Hoai Huong Nguyen claimed the silver medal overall after finishing with a total lift of 195 kg, narrowly edging ahead of the Indian lifter.
Despite missing the silver medal overall by just 1 kg, Gyaneshwari’s performance was regarded as a significant achievement for the Indian contingent.
India’s medal tally grows
India had opened its medal account earlier in the championships through Komal Kohar, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s 48 kg category on Monday.
Gyaneshwari’s success has now added further momentum to the host nation’s campaign at the prestigious continental tournament.
The championships are being held at the Mahatma Mandir and Exhibition Centre and began on Monday.
The event has attracted 178 weightlifters from 28 Asian nations along with participants from two Commonwealth countries.
Tournament serves as Commonwealth Games qualifier
Apart from continental honours, the Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships also hold major significance as a qualifying competition for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Indian lifters are therefore aiming not only for medals but also for valuable qualification points and international exposure ahead of upcoming major multi-sport events.
The tournament is expected to provide Indian weightlifters with an important platform to test themselves against elite Asian competitors, particularly athletes from powerhouse nations such as China and Vietnam.
India’s recent performances have highlighted the country’s growing presence in international weightlifting competitions, especially in the women’s categories.
With several events still remaining in the championships, the Indian contingent will be hoping to add more medals and strengthen its preparations for future global tournaments.