Koyel Bar had an inkling that she might do something remarkable on Tuesday.
At the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, the 17-year-old lifted a total of 192 kg to break the youth world record enroute bagging the youth and junior titles in the women’s 53 kg category.
A promising talent, Koyel — who logged a bigger total than her compatriot and the silver medallist in the senior section Sneha Soren (185kg) — was confident of her capability.
While she was a picture of concentration during the competition, Koyel wore a wide smile after her double gold medal haul. “I was targetting the world record. I normally lift 107-108kg in clean and jerk during training and the record was within my reach. I could have done 109kg as well, but missed it narrowly,” Koyel, who recorded 85kg in snatch, told Sportstar.
A promising talent, Koyel — who logged a bigger total than her compatriot and the silver medallist in the senior section Sneha Soren (185kg) — was confident of her capability.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI
A promising talent, Koyel — who logged a bigger total than her compatriot and the silver medallist in the senior section Sneha Soren (185kg) — was confident of her capability.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI
“I began weightlifting in 2018 after seeing my father, who used to go to the gym. My game improved in the last two years after I trained under Vijay (Sharma) sir. Earlier, my total was 147, now it is 192kg,” said Koyel, whose father runs a chicken shop in Howrah, West Bengal.
Sharma, who is the chief national coach, recalled scouting the teenager with a long-term vision in mind. “While working under Sharma’s guidance, Koyel experienced complete training. “Koyel looked physically strong to me. So, after spotting her along with a few other kids with a long-term target of grooming lifters for the Olympics, I initially focused on technique leaving aside other aspects. OGQ helped us in providing scientific support to the kids and it proved beneficial.”
Published on Aug 26, 2025
