Odisha’s Teen Weightlifter Preetismita Bhoi Smashes Youth World Record at Asian Youth Games
India’s young weightlifting sensation Preetismita Bhoi once again proved that age is no barrier to greatness. On Sunday, at the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, the 16-year-old from Dhenkanal, Odisha, clinched gold in the Clean & Jerk with a Youth World Record lift of 92 kg in the 40 kg weight category. She also won silver in the Snatch with a best lift of 66 kg, which surpassed her previous Youth National Record set during the Commonwealth Championships by 3 kg. This outstanding performance marked her second Youth World Record, reaffirming her status as one of India’s brightest young sporting talents.A Tale of Two LiftsThe day started with tension and excitement. Preetismita began confidently in the Snatch, successfully lifting 66 kg in her first attempt. However, her next two attempts at 68 kg and 69 kg did not succeed. The narrow misses cost her the chance to win double gold, as China’s Jihong Wu took the Snatch gold with a 68 kg lift. But champions are made not from easy victories, but from comebacks. And Preetismita delivered one that will be remembered. In the Clean & Jerk, she lifted 87 kg, 90 kg, and then a record-breaking 92 kg, leaving behind her Chinese rival by 4 kg. The moment her final lift was confirmed, she raised her hands in a win, smiling through tears of relief and pride. It wasn’t just a gold medal; it was a symbol of how far she had come.From Dhenkanal to the World StageBorn on 14 November 2008, in Dhenkanal, Odisha, Preetismita’s life began with challenges most children never face. She lost her father when she was just two years old, and she and her elder sister, Vidusmita, were raised by their mother, Jamuna Devi, who worked tirelessly to support the family. It was destiny that brought her to weightlifting. In August 2023, Preetismita’s dedication and talent were recognized nationally. The Talent Identification and Development Committee under the Khelo India initiative selected her as one of the promising young weightlifters to receive official support for training and competitions. This recognition not only provided her with financial assistance but also gave her access to world-class coaching, nutrition, and exposure—crucial elements for any athlete aiming to compete globally. Her inclusion in Khelo India Athletes (KIA) marked a turning point. With better training facilities and structured mentorship, Preetismita’s performance began to soar. Within a year, she was rewriting record books.Setting the Bar HighPreetismita first made international headlines in 2024 when she created a new Youth World Record by lifting 76 kg in Clean & Jerk during the Youth World Weightlifting Championships in the 40 kg category. That record, achieved when she was just 15, showcased her potential to become a dominant force in women’s weightlifting. Fast forward to 2025, she raised the bar even higher, lifting 92 kg at the Asian Youth Games. This was not just a personal milestone, but a moment of pride for Indian weightlifting, which has seen a steady rise in global prominence thanks to young athletes like her. With two Youth World Records to her name, Preetismita is being hailed as one of India’s most promising young athletes. Experts believe she could be the next big name in women’s weightlifting, following in the footsteps of legends like Mirabai Chanu.What Lies AheadThe future looks bright for this young champion. Her immediate goals include representing India at the Youth World Championships again and qualifying for the Junior Asian Championships. Long term, her dream is to wear the Indian tricolor at the Olympics, a dream that now feels closer than ever. If her journey so far is any indication, Preetismita Bhoi will not just lift weights; she’ll lift the nation’s hopes with her.