Commonwealth championships – The Hindu

Seventeen-year-old Koyel Bar, who hogged the limelight by setting a youth world record for total of 192kg in women’s 53kg at the Commonwealth weightlifting championships here, had an inkling that she might do something remarkable on Tuesday.

The hugely talented Koyel, who lifted a bigger total than compatriot and the silver medallist in the senior section Sneha Soren (185kg) to take the youth and junior titles, was confident of her capability.

While she was a picture of concentration during the competition, Koyel wore a wide smile after cornering glory.

“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 lifted 85kg in snatch, told The Hindu.

“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 147kg, now it is 192kg,” said Koyel, whose father runs a chicken shop in Howrah.

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,” said Sharma, expecting Koyel to realise her potential at the biggest stage.