Harshada Garud: First Indian to Win Gold in IWF Junior World Championships 

Harshada

Weightlifter Harshada Sharad Garud on Monday scripted history to become the first Indian to win a gold medal at the IWF Junior World Championships 2022 in Heraklion, Greece. She lifted 153-kilogram in the 45-kg weight category, which included 70 kg in Snatch and 83 kg in Clean and Jerk to finish on top of the podium. 

Garud left eight competitors behind as India bagged a medal on the opening day of the competition. Turkey’s Bektas Cansu bagged the silver medal while Moldova’s Teodora-Luminita Hincu won the bronze medal.

“I am so happy, I can’t comprehend what’s happening, I am struggling to express my happiness right now. It will take some time to sink in,” a delighted Harshada said.

The teenager, who had won the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games under-17 girls’ title, took up weightlifting six years ago as a 12-year-old on the insistence of her father Sharad Garud, who himself was a state-level weightlifter.

“My father was a state level weightlifter. Although, I never saw him in action, I always heard his stories and stories about him. I never thought of doing anything else,” Harshada said.

The other Indian in the same weight category, Anjali Patel finished fifth with a total effort of 148 Kg which included 67 Kg in snatch and 81 Kg in clean and jerk.

Before Harshada, there were only two Indians to win a medal in IWF Junior World Championships. Mirabai Chanu won a bronze in 2013 and Achinta Sheuli won a silver medal last year.

 

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