Ajaya Babu wins CWG silver in weightlifting; Andhra CM Naidu leads congratulations
Synopsis
A weightlifter from Vizianagaram narrowly missed gold by 1kg at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games — but Valluri Ajaya Babu's silver in the Men's 79kg event, complete with a CWG snatch record of 149kg, tells a bigger story: a father-son sporting legacy that now spans two Commonwealth Games podiums.
Key Takeaways
Valluri Ajaya Babu won the silver medal in the Men's 79kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on 28 July .
He set a Commonwealth Games record of 149kg in the snatch and lifted 181kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 330kg .
Ajaya missed gold by just 1kg , the narrowest possible margin in the competition.
His father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao , is a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist , making this a multi-generational sporting achievement.
Andhra Pradesh CM N.
Chandrababu Naidu , Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan , and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy all extended congratulations via X.
Weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu claimed a silver medal in the Men's 79kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on 28 July, narrowly missing gold by just 1kg. His performance drew immediate praise from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Ajaya Babu set a Commonwealth Games record of 149kg in the snatch, before adding 181kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 330kg. The margin between him and the gold medallist was a razor-thin 1kg — a difference that underscored both the quality of his effort and the heartbreak of the near-miss.
A Legacy Continued
The achievement carries particular significance given Ajaya Babu's lineage. His father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, is himself a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, making this a rare instance of a sporting family carrying forward international-level excellence across generations. Ajaya hails from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh.
What the Chief Minister Said
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu posted his congratulations on X, writing: 'Congratulations to Valluri Ajaya Babu on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's 79kg Weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Following in the footsteps of his father, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Valluri Srinivasa Rao Garu, Ajaya has carried forward a proud sporting legacy with great dedication. His outstanding achievement has made Andhra Pradesh and the nation proud. May he continue to lift India's sporting excellence on the global stage!'
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also took to X to celebrate the lifter, noting: 'Missing the Gold by the narrowest of margins, your exceptional performance reflects the courage, resilience, and determination of a true champion. The entire nation celebrates your achievement, while Andhra Pradesh takes immense pride in one of its sons bringing laurels to Bharat.'
Government's Commitment to Sports
Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy congratulated Ajaya Babu and stated that athletes from Andhra Pradesh are serving as an inspiration to the state's youth through their performances at the international level. He added that the coalition government has set a clear goal of encouraging sportspersons and creating pathways for them to compete globally.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Ravi Naidu also extended his congratulations, expressing confidence that Ajaya Babu would bring further honours to both Andhra Pradesh and India. The minister noted that the Naidu-led government has accorded top priority to sports development in the state.
What's Next
Ajaya Babu's silver adds to India's medal tally at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With his Commonwealth Games record in the snatch already in the books, the young weightlifter from Vizianagaram will be expected to be a strong contender at future international competitions, including the next CWG cycle.
Point of View
Perhaps, is the generational dimension. Two members of the same Vizianagaram family have now stood on Commonwealth Games podiums, which points to something the state's sports machinery should study and replicate, not just celebrate. The chorus of political congratulations is welcome, but the sharper question is whether Andhra Pradesh's sports infrastructure — beyond rhetoric — can convert one silver into a pipeline of future medallists.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Valluri Ajaya Babu win at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Valluri Ajaya Babu won the silver medal in the Men's 79kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. He finished just 1kg short of the gold medal with a total lift of 330kg.
What Commonwealth Games record did Ajaya Babu set?
Ajaya Babu set a Commonwealth Games record of 149kg in the snatch at the Glasgow 2026 Games. He followed that with a 181kg clean and jerk for a combined total of 330kg.
Who is Valluri Ajaya Babu's father and why is he significant?
Ajaya Babu's father is Valluri Srinivasa Rao, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. The family's back-to-back podium finishes across two generations make them a rare sporting dynasty in Indian weightlifting.
Which district of Andhra Pradesh does Ajaya Babu come from?
Valluri Ajaya Babu hails from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh.
How did the Andhra Pradesh government respond to Ajaya Babu's silver medal?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy all congratulated Ajaya Babu, with Naidu and Pawan Kalyan posting on X. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Chairman Ravi Naidu also extended his congratulations.
