Did India’s Ajaya Babu Valluri Secure 16th Place at the World Weightlifting Championships?
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Synopsis
Ajaya Babu Valluri's performance at the World Weightlifting Championships showcased his potential, despite finishing 16th. His journey reflects the challenges faced by athletes on the global stage, and his previous triumph in the Commonwealth Games adds to the narrative of resilience and ambition in Indian sports.
Key Takeaways
- Ajaya Babu Valluri placed 16th in the men’s 79kg category.
- He lifted a total of 323kg at the World Championships.
- His performance was 12kg shy of his Commonwealth Games total.
- Ajaya secured a spot in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Rizki Juniansyah set a new world record of 204kg.
Forde, Oct 7 (NationPress) Ajaya Babu Valluri, a champion from the Commonwealth Games, achieved a 16th-place finish in the men’s 79kg division during the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held here on Tuesday.
As a participant in Group C, the 20-year-old Indian weightlifter managed a total lift of 323kg (comprising 146kg in the snatch and 177kg in the clean and jerk), ranking 16th out of 39 athletes.
This performance was 12kg less than his gold medal-winning total of 335kg (with 152kg in snatch and 183kg in clean and jerk) at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships earlier this August in Ahmedabad. His impressive result there earned him a spot in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
During the World Weightlifting Championships, Ajaya kicked off his competition with a successful lift of 146kg in his initial snatch attempt but was unable to clear 150kg in his next two attempts. In the clean and jerk, he succeeded with lifts of 172kg and 177kg, but fell short in an attempt to lift 180kg.
Rizki Juniansyah from Indonesia, who claimed gold in the 73 kg division at the Paris 2024 Olympics, set a new world record with a clean and jerk lift of 204kg, achieving a combined total of 361kg which included a 162kg snatch.
Ri Chong-song from North Korea secured silver with a total of 360kg (comprising 163kg + 197kg), while Egypt’s Mohamed Younes took home bronze after also lifting 360kg (with 162kg + 198kg).
Additionally, earlier in the championships, Mirabai Chanu claimed silver in the women’s 48kg category with a total lift of 199kg (84kg + 115kg) on the first day of the World Weightlifting Championships, making her the only Indian athlete to medal in this year’s competition so far.
In the 63kg category, Nirupama Devi represented India with a total lift of 216kg (93kg in snatch and 123kg in clean and jerk), finishing ninth out of 35 competitors.
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Point of View
Ajaya Babu Valluri’s performance at the World Weightlifting Championships emphasizes the growth of Indian athletes on a global platform. While the result may not reflect his potential, his previous achievements in the Commonwealth Games demonstrate a promising future. It is vital to support these athletes as they strive for excellence.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ajaya Babu Valluri's total lift?
Ajaya Babu Valluri lifted a total of 323kg at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships.
How did Valluri perform in comparison to his Commonwealth Games total?
He fell short by 12kg, as he lifted 335kg at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in August.
What category did Ajaya compete in?
He competed in the men's 79kg category.
Who won the gold medal in the championships?
Rizki Juniansyah from Indonesia won gold, lifting a total of 361kg.
What are the future prospects for Valluri?
Ajaya has secured his place in the next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
