Usha Lifts 212kg to Top Group D at World Championships

Indian weightlifters Usha and Nirupama Devi delivered contrasting performances in the women’s 61kg category at the IWF World Championships on Sunday. Usha topped Group D with a combined total of 212kg, while Nirupama finished fourth in Group C after an inconsistent performance across the snatch and clean and jerk events.

The 23-year-old Usha recorded 93kg in the snatch and 119kg in the clean and jerk to finish first among the competitors in her group. Her overall total also compared favourably with several lifters competing in Group C, highlighting the strength of her performance despite being placed in a lower group.

Nirupama, who has moved down from the 63kg weight category to compete at 61kg, registered a combined total of 211kg. Her performance included a 91kg snatch and a 120kg clean and jerk. Although she finished just one kilogram behind Usha, her higher declared entry total placed her in Group C, where she ended the competition in fourth position.

Usha tops Group D with a 212kg total

Usha produced a strong overall performance to lead Group D in the women’s 61kg competition. Her combined lift of 212kg came from a 93kg effort in the snatch and 119kg in the clean and jerk. She demonstrated consistency across both disciplines and managed to recover from an unsuccessful second attempt in the opening event.

Usha opened her snatch campaign by successfully lifting 90kg. She then attempted 93kg in her second attempt but could not complete the lift. With one opportunity remaining, the Indian weightlifter returned to the platform and successfully lifted 93kg on her third attempt.

The successful final snatch attempt gave her 93kg in the first discipline and provided an important contribution to her overall total. Her ability to complete the lift under pressure helped her finish the snatch portion of the competition on a positive note.

In the clean and jerk, Usha successfully lifted 115kg in her opening attempt before increasing the weight to 119kg. She completed her second attempt successfully, taking her closer to a 212kg combined total.

She subsequently attempted 121kg in her final clean and jerk attempt but failed to complete the lift. Despite missing the opportunity to add another two kilograms, her earlier successful lifts were enough to secure a total of 212kg and first place in Group D.

Nirupama Devi finishes fourth in Group C

Nirupama Devi experienced a more challenging competition in Group C. The Indian weightlifter finished fourth in her group with a combined total of 211kg, comprising 91kg in the snatch and 120kg in the clean and jerk.

Her performance was particularly difficult in the snatch, where she struggled to complete her opening attempt. Nirupama initially attempted 91kg but failed to lift the weight successfully. She returned for her second attempt and managed to complete the same weight, registering 91kg on the scoreboard.

However, her third attempt at 93kg was unsuccessful. As a result, she finished the snatch discipline with 91kg, missing the opportunity to improve her contribution to the overall total.

The clean and jerk offered Nirupama an opportunity to strengthen her position. She successfully lifted 120kg in her opening attempt, bringing her combined total to 211kg. However, she could not make further progress in the discipline.

Nirupama attempted 124kg twice but failed to complete either lift. Those unsuccessful attempts meant that she had to settle for 120kg in the clean and jerk and a final combined total of 211kg.

Her fourth-place finish in Group C was a disappointing result considering her position in the competition and the opportunity to register a higher total. Nevertheless, the 211kg performance kept her close to Usha, who finished with only one kilogram more despite competing in Group D.

Why Usha and Nirupama competed in different groups

The group system at the IWF World Championships is based on the declared entry totals submitted by participating weightlifters. These totals represent the combined weight an athlete intends to lift across the two disciplines: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

Group A generally features athletes with the highest declared entry totals, while Groups B, C and D include competitors with progressively lower declared totals. This arrangement allows the competition to be conducted in separate groups rather than placing every athlete on the platform in one continuous session.

Consequently, athletes competing in different groups can sometimes produce totals that change the overall standings as the competition progresses. A lifter in a lower group may record a better total than competitors who have already completed their performances in a higher group.

This was reflected in the women’s 61kg competition, where Usha’s 212kg total from Group D was better than the totals achieved by several competitors in Group C. Although Nirupama competed in the higher group, her final total of 211kg was one kilogram below Usha’s performance.

Usha provisionally third and Nirupama fifth overall

After the completion of Groups C and D, Usha occupied third place in the provisional overall standings of the women’s 61kg category. Nirupama was placed fifth following her 211kg combined effort.

However, these positions are not final. Group A features the lifters with the highest declared entry totals, and their performances could significantly change the overall leaderboard. The final rankings will only be confirmed after all competitors have completed their attempts.

Usha’s position among the leading competitors following the first groups represents an encouraging performance. Her 212kg total demonstrated that lifters competing outside Group A can also influence the overall standings with strong performances.

For Nirupama, the competition highlighted the importance of converting successful attempts into a higher combined total. She managed just one successful lift in each discipline after missing opportunities to increase her snatch and clean and jerk marks.

Move from 63kg to 61kg adds significance to Nirupama’s campaign

Nirupama’s participation in the 61kg category also comes after her move down from the 63kg weight division. Competing in a different weight category can require athletes to adjust their preparation, weight management and competition strategy.

Her declared entry total had placed her in Group C, but her actual performance resulted in a combined 211kg. The difference between her total and Usha’s effort was narrow, with both Indian lifters finishing within one kilogram of each other.

While Usha successfully topped her group, Nirupama will have to assess the missed opportunities from both disciplines. Her unsuccessful opening snatch attempt and two failed attempts at 124kg in the clean and jerk prevented her from improving her final result.

The final standings will provide a clearer picture of where both Indian lifters finish in the overall women’s 61kg competition after the completion of Group A.

World Championships form part of the LA 2028 Olympic qualification pathway

The IWF World Championships carry additional importance because the event is part of the first period of the Olympic qualification system for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The competition is one of six events included in this opening qualification period.

For weightlifters targeting the 2028 Olympics, performances at designated qualification events form an important part of the journey towards securing a place at the Games. Athletes must compete within the applicable qualification framework and meet the relevant requirements established for the Olympic cycle.

The World Championships therefore provide competitors with an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition while participating in the qualification process. Strong performances can also offer valuable competitive experience as athletes continue preparing for future events.

For India, Usha’s Group D victory and Nirupama’s fourth-place finish in Group C provided two different outcomes in the women’s 61kg competition. Usha will look to see where her 212kg total stands once Group A concludes, while Nirupama will be left reflecting on the lifts she could not complete.

What comes next for the Indian weightlifters?

The immediate focus remains on the completion of the women’s 61kg competition and the confirmation of the final overall standings. Usha’s provisional third position gives her a strong platform, although the remaining Group A performances will determine her final placing.

Nirupama, meanwhile, will need to look beyond her fourth-place Group C finish and focus on improving consistency across both disciplines. Her 211kg total showed that she remained close to Usha’s mark, but missed attempts prevented her from producing a stronger result.

With the World Championships also contributing to the first phase of the LA 2028 Olympic qualification pathway, both Indian lifters have an important opportunity to build on their performances as the qualification cycle progresses.

Usha’s 212kg effort ensured that she finished ahead of all competitors in Group D, while Nirupama ended her Group C campaign with 211kg. Their final positions in the women’s 61kg category will be determined once the remaining Group A lifters complete their competition.