Mizo weightlifting sensation Jeremy wins India’s first Youth Olympics gold

TIL Desk Sports/ Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga scripted history by winning India’s maiden gold medal at the Youth Olympics, claiming the top honours in the men’s 62kg category. The 15-year-old from Aizwal, who is also a world youth silver-medallist, lifted a total of 274kg (124kg +150kg) to finish on top, in Buenos Aires, on Monday night. The silver medal went to Turkey’s Toptas Caner, who lifted 263 kg (122kg+141kg), while Colombia’s Villar Estiven Jose took the bronze with an effort of 260 kg (115kg+143kg).

The Mizo sensation, who will turn 16 on October 26, is being touted as the next big thing in Indian weightlifting. “Lalrinnunga’s father, Lalneihtluanga, is a former boxer who has seven national-level gold medals to his credit,” said N Thangchungnunga, the president of the Mizoram Weightlifting Association.

Lalrinnunga was himself an aspiring boxer before he shifted to weightlifting on the advice of coaches and was picked up by the Army Sports Institute scouts in 2011 at the age of eight. His father is currently employed with Mizoram’s Public Works department. Earlier this year, Lalrinnunga claimed a silver (youth) and a bronze (junior) in the Asian Championships, smashing two national records in the process.