Itanagar: Weightlifter Kaken Doyom on Thursday became the first athlete from Arunachal Pradesh to win a medal for the state in the inaugural edition of Khelo India National Ranking Women’s Weightlifting Championships.
Doyom lifted a total of 95 kg (40 kg in snatch + 55 kg in clean & jerk) in the youth’s 40 kg weight category to clinch the maiden bronze for the state.
The inaugural edition of the event for seniors, youth and juniors is presently underway at Nagrota Bagwan in Himachal Pradesh.
Pungni Tara, another weightlifter, to represent Arunachal in the same weight category managed to secure the 6th position.Both Doyom & Tara are students of SAI Special Area Games Centre, Naharlagun.
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Meanwhile, participating in the 49 kg category (youth division) Mercy Teli achieved a 5th place finish while Techi Nadam who competed in the senior division (49kg) settled for the 9th position. Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to twitter to congratulate Doyum for her feat.
“Many congratulations to Ms Kaken Doyom from #ArunachalPradesh on winning Bronze at the 1st #KheloIndia Women’s National Ranking Weightlifting Tournament, under 40 kg category. My best wishes,” the chief minister said.
The Khelo India National Ranking Women’s Weightlifting Championships helps the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) prepare the national rankings of women lifters and also plays a crucial role in the selection process for national camps and international events.
