Karnataka’s Gururaja Poojary gave India the first medal of 2018 Commonwealth Games by winning silver in the Men’s 56kg Weightlifting. 
The 26-year old, however, missed the gold medal as he twice failed to lift 138kg in the Clean and Jerk category. In the third attempt, he successfully lifted it and finished with a total of 249 points.
“After I failed the first two attempts, my coach reminded me how much my life depends on this. I remembered my family and my country,” he said when asked what went through his mind in those nervy moments.
Malayasia’s Muhammad Azroy Hazalwa. Izhar Ahmad won the gold by finishing with a new Games Record of 269. Chaturanga Lakmal of Sri Lanka won the bronze with a total point of 248.
An employee of the Indian Air Force, Gururaja was raised among poverty along with his seven other siblings. His father, who was a truck driver, always inspired him to do well in sports. After winning this medal, Gururaja is determined to give more joy to his family.
