Weightlifting Worlds: Usha tops 61kg group, Nirupama finishes disappointing 4th

Indian weightlifter Usha topped Group D in the women's 61kg event at the World Championships, while Nirupama Devi finished fourth in Group C after a disappointing outing on Sunday. Nirupama Devi finished fourth in Group C of the women's 61kg competition (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 1, 2026 16:49 ISTIndian weightlifter Usha topped Group D, while compatriot Nirupama Devi finished fourth in Group C of the women's 61kg competition at the IWF World Championships on Sunday after a disappointing outing.The 23-year-old Usha lifted a total of 212kg, comprising 93kg in snatch and 119kg in clean and jerk, to finish ahead of all the lifters in her group. Her total was also better than that of several competitors in the higher Group C.Nirupama, who has moved down from the 63kg weight category, managed a total of 211kg (91kg in snatch and 120kg in clean and jerk). Despite lifting one kilogram less than Usha, she was placed in Group C because of her higher declared entry total.Following the completion of Groups C and D, Usha was placed third in the overall standings, while Nirupama occupied fifth place. However, their final positions will only be confirmed after the completion of Group A. Usha began her campaign in the snatch with a successful 90kg lift but failed to clear 93kg in her second attempt. She returned to the platform for her third and final attempt and successfully lifted the same weight.In the clean and jerk, Usha successfully lifted 115kg and 119kg in her first two attempts before failing to clear 121kg in her final attempt. She finished with a combined total of 212kg. Nirupama, meanwhile, had a difficult outing and managed to register a total after completing only two successful lifts across the two disciplines.She began with a failed attempt at 91kg in the snatch but managed to lift the weight in her second attempt. Her third attempt at 93kg was unsuccessful, leaving her with 91kg in the opening discipline.In the clean and jerk, Nirupama successfully lifted 120kg but failed in both her attempts to clear 124kg. She eventually finished with a total of 211kg, one kilogram short of Usha's effort.At the World Championships, Group A comprises lifters with the highest declared entry totals, which represent the combined weight they intend to lift in the snatch and clean and jerk. Groups B, C and D feature athletes with progressively lower entry totals.The World Championships is one of six events in the first period of the Olympic qualification system for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.- Ends