Simanta sets records

South Asian Games gold medallist Mabia Akter Simanta created national records in the 63kg weight category on the concluding day of the 35th Men's and 12th Women's National Weightlifting Championships at the National Sports Council Gymnasium yesterday.

Simanta lifted a record total of 172 kilos -- 75 kilos in snatch and 97 kilos in clean & jerk -- in the 63kg category, eclipsing her previous best of 72 kilos in snatch and Shahria Sultana Suchi's best of 93 kilos in clean & jerk. Simanta's nearest competitor Monira Akter of Bangladesh Army lifted a total of 118 kilos –53 kilos in snatch and 65 kilos in clean & jerk. 

On way to winning the gold, Simanta eclipsed her SA Games performance where she had lifted a total of 149 kilos – 67 kilos in snatch and 82 kilos in clean & jerk.

Simanta's event was the main attraction of the championship and the weightlifter from Bangladesh Ansar delighted all with a consummate effort. In snatch, she succeeded in all three attempts to lift 68 kilos, 73 kilos and 75 kilos before completing all three attempts in clean and jerk to lift 90 kilos, 94 kilos and 97 kilos. After succeeding in her final attempt, Simanta punched the air and burst into tears amid huge cheers from everyone. 

“I changed my mind last night and decided to go there for the record in a bid to prove that I am the best weightlifter. If I came here only to win the gold medal, it would not have been possible to break the record. I didn't care about the fact that the federation scrapped prize money for new records,” said Simanta.

“I feel really happy to break my coach's record but I don't want to be satisfied here because I'd love to see myself in the Olympics. As I could not go to Rio, I want to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Games,” said Simanta.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Ansar became champions in the women's section with five gold, one silver and two bronze medals while Bangladesh Army emerged champions in the men's section with five gold and three silver medals.