Lifters’ efforts worth two gold

Pandian also won silver medal in snatch with an effort of 107.5 kgs and in clean and jerk, 137.5 kgs.

In weightlifting events, three gold, three silver and three bronze medals are given in each weight category.

Later in the evening, in the 62 kg class, Murugesan Arun won the clean and jerk and overall bronze medal while Gnanasekaran took the third spot in snatch.

Nauru’s Marcus Stephen, who has won six gold medals in the last Commonwealth Games, won the two gold medals while Australian Sarkisianwon the silver.

Even as there were some doubts about India’s chances here, the 56-kg lifters stamped their class with authority.

In fact, it could have been three gold medals for India in the 56 kgs. Pandian lifted the same 107.5 kgs in the snatch as Australian Mehmat Yagci but lost out on body weight. Pandian weighed 55.75 kgs to Yagci’s 55.55 kgs.

Wilson could also have done better but for a poor 102.5 kgs in snatch which saw him finish sixth.

The Indian weightlifting team management was also upset that Malaysian lifter Matin Guntali was given a fourth try after the jury had reversed a 2-1 judges’ verdict in favour of Guntali when he lifted 137.5 kgs.

Thankfully for the organisers, a major controversy was averted as the Malayasian failed in lifting 137.5 kgs. After the Indians finished their lifts, the Malayasian was given another chance. Had he done it then, he would have equalled Wilson and the Indian would have lost a medal on body weight factor.