Dhanush Loganathan Wins Bronze at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championship 2024
In a historic achievement for Indian weightlifting, 17-year-old Dhanush Loganathan has secured a bronze medal at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024. The prestigious competition was held in Leon, Spain, from September 19 to September 27, 2024. Dhanush’s performance brought joy to Indian fans, making him the sole Indian medalist at this year’s event.
India’s Sole Medalist in 2024 Championship
Dhanush Loganathan was the only Indian weightlifter to bring home a medal from the IWF Junior World Championships 2024. Competing in the men’s 55kg category, Dhanush lifted a total of 231kg—107kg in the snatch and 124kg in clean and jerk. His impressive performance secured him the bronze medal, marking an important milestone for Indian weightlifting.
Overview of the Competition
The IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships is a global platform for young athletes under the age of 21 to showcase their talent. The 2024 edition of the championships witnessed fierce competition among athletes from around the world. Dhanush competed in the men’s 55kg category, which included 24 weightlifters divided into Groups A and B based on their pre-registered total weights.
Vietnam’s K Duong claimed the gold medal in the same category with a total lift of 253kg (115kg snatch + 140kg clean and jerk). Japan’s Kotaro Tomari won the silver medal with a total of 247kg (108kg snatch + 139kg clean and jerk). Despite being placed in Group B, Dhanush managed to outperform several athletes from Group A, thanks to his remarkable lifts in both snatch and clean and jerk.
Dhanush’s Journey in Weightlifting
Dhanush Loganathan hails from Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, and comes from a humble background. The son of a carpenter, he has faced financial challenges in pursuing his weightlifting career. Despite these obstacles, his talent and determination have pushed him to achieve great success.
Dhanush’s training journey began under the guidance of two-time Olympian Raghavan Chandrasekaran. He later joined the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Aurangabad, where he received advanced training that helped him transition from the 49kg category to the 55kg category. This shift proved to be a turning point in his career, culminating in his bronze medal win at the Junior World Championships.
Previous Achievements
Dhanush’s rise to fame in the weightlifting world began with his outstanding performances at national and international competitions. In 2023, he won a bronze medal in the men’s 49kg category at the Weightlifting Youth World Championships in Albania, lifting a total of 200kg (88kg snatch + 112kg clean and jerk).
In 2024, Dhanush continued to shine by winning a gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), lifting a total of 225kg. His consistent performances at the youth level have positioned him as one of India’s most promising weightlifters.
India’s Performance at the Junior World Championships 2024
India sent a nine-member contingent to the IWF Junior World Championships 2024, comprising three men and six women. Dhanush’s bronze medal was a significant achievement for the Indian team, as it was the only medal won by the country at this year’s event.
Payal, who competed in the women’s 45kg category, finished sixth with a total lift of 150kg, while Panchami Sonowal participated in the women’s 49kg category but did not manage to secure a medal. Despite these setbacks, Dhanush’s bronze medal win has provided a major boost to Indian weightlifting.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Dhanush’s success at the Junior World Championships has opened up new opportunities for his weightlifting career. His next goal is to transition to the 61kg category, which is part of the Olympic weightlifting program. By moving to this higher weight class, Dhanush hopes to compete at future Olympic Games and bring glory to India on the global stage.
Nevertheless, the path forward comes with its own set of challenges. As Dhanush transitions to the higher weight category, his coach has emphasized the importance of patience and careful preparation. The shift to 61kg will require Dhanush to enhance both his strength and technique to remain competitive at the international level.
The Role of Financial Support
Like many athletes from humble backgrounds, Dhanush faces financial difficulties that could hinder his progress. Sponsorship and financial backing are crucial for Dhanush to continue his training, participate in international competitions, and eventually aim for the Olympics.
Dhanush’s coach and supporters are actively seeking sponsorship to ensure that his training is not interrupted. With the right support, Dhanush has the potential to become one of India’s top weightlifters in the years to come.
Historic Achievement for Indian Weightlifting
Dhanush Loganathan’s bronze medal at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024 marks a significant achievement for Indian weightlifting. His journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to the international stage is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and passion for the sport.
At just 17 years old, Dhanush has already made history by becoming the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships. His success has inspired many young athletes across the country, proving that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As Dhanush Loganathan continues to train and improve, the future of Indian weightlifting looks promising. His achievements at the Junior World Championships have set the stage for further successes in the sport, and with the right support, Dhanush could very well become a future Olympian.
India’s weightlifting community is rallying behind this young talent, and fans across the nation are excited to see what Dhanush will achieve next. With his eyes set on the 61kg category and a potential Olympic appearance, the journey of this rising star has only just begun.
FAQs:
1. Who is Dhanush Loganathan, and what recent achievement did he accomplish?
Answer: Dhanush Loganathan is a 17-year-old Indian weightlifter who won a bronze medal in the men’s 55kg category at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024, held in Leon, Spain. He lifted a total of 231kg (107kg snatch + 124kg clean and jerk).
2. Which country hosted the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024?
Answer: The IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024 was held in Leon, Spain.
3. Who won the gold medal in the men’s 55kg category at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024?
Answer: Vietnam’s K Duong won the gold medal in the men’s 55kg category at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024 by lifting a total of 253kg (115kg snatch + 140kg clean and jerk).
4. In which equestrian event did Fouaad Mirza recently win a gold medal?
Answer: Fouaad Mirza won a gold medal in eventing at the Strzegom Standard Show 2024 in Poland, defeating Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Julia Krajewski.
5. Who became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships?
Answer: Dhanush Loganathan became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships by securing bronze in the 2024 edition.
6. Which two Indian female weightlifters competed but did not win a medal in the IWF Junior World Championships 2024?
Answer: Payal (women’s 45kg category) and Panchami Sonowal (women’s 49kg category) competed in the IWF Junior World Championships 2024 but did not win any medals.
7. Who won the silver medal in the men’s 55kg category at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024?
Answer: Japan’s Kotaro Tomari won the silver medal in the men’s 55kg category by lifting a total of 247kg (108kg snatch + 139kg clean and jerk).
8. What records were set by Martina Devi Maibam in the Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024?
Answer: Martina Devi Maibam set two national records in the 85+ kg women’s category during the Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024 but failed to win a medal.
9. Who recently won the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship title?
Answer: Veteran Indian snooker player Kamal Chawla won the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship title, defeating Pakistan’s Ajad Iqbal in the final.
10. Who was India’s only medalist at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024?
Answer: Dhanush Loganathan was the sole Indian medalist at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024, winning bronze in the men’s 55kg event.
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