Bikaner, Nov 27 (NationPress) For Rajyashree, weightlifting transcends being merely a sport — it embodies a familial bond. Just moments after nearly clinching gold in the women’s 58kg category at her inaugural Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025, falling short by a mere two kilograms, she was embraced by her mother and coach, Rakhi Halder, a six-time international medallist.

Notably, there’s little time for celebration or introspection. Merely two days after the competition in Bikaner, Rajyashree and her mother will return to compete in the ASMITA Weightlifting League in Kolkata on November 28. The sight of a mother and daughter competing in the same league is indeed rare.

Rajyashree, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student at Adamas University, embarked on her weightlifting journey six years ago. Although she has often finished outside the top three in major competitions, her determination remains unwavering. Recently, she just missed out on a medal again, securing second place to Odisha-born international Rima Bhoi of Lovely Professional University by just two kilograms. She expressed that winning silver will serve as a powerful motivator to elevate her performance further.

The competition between Rima and Rajyashree isn't new; both achieved a 1-2 finish in the 59kg women’s category at the Khelo India Asmita Women National Zonal League-2024-25 in Brahmapur, Odisha.

“This was my first Khelo India University Games, and earning a silver feels rewarding. There’s significance behind it; I’ve frequently finished in the fourth or fifth positions, so this silver is particularly meaningful. My last medal was a bronze at the All India Inter-University championship,” Rajyashree shared.

Rajyashree, who also participated in the Khelo India Youth Games in Tamil Nadu, finished fourth in her category there as well. She is the daughter of powerlifter C Naveen Kumar and has a younger sister. Her training takes place at home in Kolkata under her mother Rakhi's mentorship, who secured gold in the 2019 Commonwealth Championships in the women’s 64kg category.

Growing up under the shadow of a decorated athlete has its own challenges. Rajyashree admitted that the weight of expectations often burdens her before competitions.

“The mental pressure of performance is real; when people recognize me, they often refer to my mother’s accomplishments. I aspire to live up to those expectations,” the soft-spoken lifter commented.

Even though her journey at KIUG concluded on Wednesday, Rajyashree has little time to rest. By Friday, she will return to the platform to compete in the women’s 58kg category at the ASMITA Weightlifting League, aiming to sustain her momentum with Rakhi cheering her on.

Later that day, 19-year-old Rajyashree will transition from competitor to supporter as her mother competes in the women’s 69kg weight category, aiming to add another accolade to her illustrious career.