Glasgow: Indian weightlifter Valluri Ajaya Babu delivered a sensational performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by winning the silver medal in the men’s 79kg weightlifting category. The 21-year-old lifter from Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district produced a Games record performance and narrowly missed out on the gold medal after a thrilling contest against Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad.
Ajaya Babu’s silver medal continued India’s impressive run in weightlifting at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. With his achievement, India secured its sixth medal in weightlifting at the ongoing edition, underlining the country’s dominance in the sport.
The young Indian lifted a total of 330kg, combining a Games record 149kg in the snatch section and 181kg in the clean and jerk. Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad claimed gold with a total lift of 331kg, while England’s Chris Murray finished with the bronze medal after lifting 325kg.
Ajaya Babu produces record-breaking snatch performance
The competition began with a high-intensity battle among the leading contenders. Ajaya Babu started strongly in the snatch category, successfully lifting 145kg in his opening attempt with ease.
However, his second attempt at 149kg did not go as planned. Showing remarkable composure, the Indian returned for his final attempt and successfully lifted 149kg to set a new Commonwealth Games record.
His performance placed him ahead of England’s Chris Murray, who lifted 148kg, and Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad, who recorded 147kg in the snatch section.
Ajaya Babu entered the clean and jerk stage with confidence and was in contention for the gold medal. The final phase saw a close battle between the Indian and Malaysian lifters, with both athletes pushing the limits.
Thrilling clean and jerk battle decides gold
The clean and jerk section produced one of the most exciting contests of the Commonwealth Games 2026 weightlifting events.
Erry Hidayat Muhammad initially lifted 181kg to set a new Games record. Moments later, Ajaya Babu matched the achievement by successfully lifting 181kg in his final attempt, taking his overall total to 330kg.
With the gold medal still undecided, the Malaysian lifter produced a remarkable final attempt by lifting 184kg in the clean and jerk. That effort took his total to 331kg and helped him edge past Ajaya Babu by just 1kg.
Despite missing the gold medal narrowly, Ajaya Babu’s performance was widely recognised as one of the finest displays by an Indian weightlifter at the Glasgow Games.
Sixth weightlifting medal boosts India’s tally
Ajaya Babu’s silver medal added to India’s highly successful weightlifting campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Weightlifting has emerged as the country’s most productive sport at the event, contributing six medals across different categories.
India’s success in weightlifting has been powered by a combination of experienced champions and young athletes making their mark on the international stage. Ajaya Babu’s achievement represents the emergence of a new generation of Indian lifters capable of competing against the world’s best.
His silver medal also strengthens India’s reputation as a leading weightlifting nation at the Commonwealth level.
Rising star with impressive international record
Ajaya Babu has quickly established himself as one of India’s most promising weightlifters. Before his Commonwealth Games success, he enjoyed a strong run at major international competitions.
In 2025, Ajaya Babu won the gold medal in the men’s 79kg category at the Commonwealth Championships in Ahmedabad. He recorded a personal-best total lift of 335kg, combining a 152kg snatch and a 183kg clean and jerk. His performance also helped him break championship records and secure direct qualification for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The young lifter had earlier achieved success at the 2024 Commonwealth Championships in Suva, Fiji, where he won double gold medals in both the junior and senior divisions in the men’s 81kg category.
At the 2025 World Championships in Forde, Norway, Ajaya Babu finished 16th overall in a highly competitive field featuring 39 lifters from across the world. The experience helped him prepare for bigger challenges at the Commonwealth Games.
Future looks bright for Indian weightlifting
At just 21 years of age, Ajaya Babu has already achieved significant milestones and continues to improve with every international competition. His ability to handle pressure situations, recover from setbacks and compete against experienced opponents highlights his potential for future success.
The narrow loss to Erry Hidayat Muhammad in Glasgow will serve as valuable experience for the Indian lifter. With continued training and exposure to international competitions, Ajaya Babu is expected to remain a key figure in India’s weightlifting plans for upcoming global events.
Conclusion
Valluri Ajaya Babu’s silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 is another major achievement for Indian weightlifting. His record-breaking lifts, fighting spirit and impressive performance against a strong field have established him as one of India’s brightest young sporting talents. As India continues its medal-winning campaign in Glasgow, Ajaya Babu’s success adds another memorable chapter to the country’s Commonwealth Games journey.
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