Glasgow, July 27 -- There is a divine touch about Gyaneshwari Devi, the 23-year-old weightlifter from Chattisgarh. On Monday, the calm girl showed nerves of steel to win a silver medal in the 53kg category as she totalled 199kg (88kg snatch, 11kg clean and jerk. In a packed hall, where Nigeria's Onome Omolola Didih was in smashing form, the Indian soaked in the pressure well.
Having started her career in powerlifting, Gyaneshwari made the transition a few years back. She had won a medal in the Asian Championship held in Ahmedabad earlier this year. This was her big stage, Glasgow, where a good showing was important for her. As one who has taken inspiration from Mirabai Chanu, Gyaneshwari wanted to do well. "Didi is my role model and I am so happy I won silver. I gave my best shot and this medal is important for India and all those who believed in me," she said.
Appearing before the media, she had the Indian tri colours pinned as hair clips and sported a 'bindi' on her forehead. That was after she said a quick prayer post competition. Asked about the emotions which played out, Gyaneshwari was all smiles.
"This is my first Commonwealth Games medal. My main goal was to achieve my personal best, which I achieved. I tried hard to go for gold," added the cherubic girl.
Asked about her preparation for this Games and what lies ahead, Gyaneshwari opened up. "The preparations were great. We were training in Birmingham before coming to Glasgow. That was, indeed, very beneficial, " she said.
Competing in the 49kg section, a category which belongs to Mirabai, Gyaneshwari said this was special. "Yesterday when Didi won a gold medal, it was a big motivation for me. I take inspiration from her and compete. Today I wish to thank my family, my coaches and all those who have showered love on me and have faith in me," said Gyaneshwari.
Asked about maintaining her weight, with a specific reference to hardships which Mirabai has faced to stay inside the 48 kg limit for her event in Glasgow, Gyaneshwari said she had no problems. "My body weight is well maintained and I did not have to do anything drastic to cut weight," she said.
She will be making a shift to the 53kg category for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. "I will try and do my best at the Asian Games, which will be a first for me. What is important, I train hard and stay confident," added Gyaneshwari.
Asked about her diet and support, Gyaneshwari thanked the Sports Authority of India and TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). I train at the NIS camp in Patiala and everything is taken care of there. I am thankful to them," she said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.