17-year-old Koyel Bar from Howrah, West Bengal, broke the youth world record at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, lifting a total of 192 kg in the women’s 53 kg category.
Koyel’s journey began in 2018, inspired by her father’s gym visits. Her father, who runs a modest chicken shop, never imagined his daughter would rise to international acclaim. Under the mentorship of chief national coach Vijay Sharma, Koyel honed her technique and transformed her total lift from 147 kg to a staggering 192 kg.
“I was targeting the world record,” Koyel said, beaming after her double gold medal win in both youth and junior categories. She lifted 85 kg in snatch and narrowly missed a 109 kg clean and jerk, settling for 107 kg — still enough to etch her name in the record books.
Coach Sharma, who scouted Koyel with Olympic aspirations in mind, emphasized the importance of technique and credited OGQ’s scientific support for her rapid progress.
Koyel’s performance even surpassed Sneha Soren, the senior silver medallist, who lifted 185 kg. With her eyes now set on future global competitions, Koyel Bar has not only raised the bar — she’s redefined it.
