Weightlifter Punam clinches gold at 21st Commonwealth Games
India's dominance in weightlifting at the 21st Commonwealth Games continued after Punam Yadav struck gold. She clinched the first position in the women's 69kg event with a combined total of 222 kg. Yadav notched 100 in snatch and 122 in knee and jerk. She kept England's Sarah Davies at bay, who finished second.
Yadav betters 2014 Glasgow feat
This gold medal was Yadav's best feat at the Commonwealth Games. Earlier, in the 2014 Glasgow Games she had clinched a bronze. Her gold was India's 5th in weightlifting at the Gold Coast. Yadav has been in fine form after winning silver in the 2017 Commonwealth Championships. The Varanasi-born weightlifter also finished at 9th spot in the World Championships.
Yadav battles past agonies
22-year-old Punam was born in a village in Chandmari, UP. Her father a farmer battled poverty to provide support to his four children. Punam was the most promising athlete amongst her siblings and rose to prominence after all the strength she derived from her family.
