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| Bindyarani Devi at the 38th National Games in Dehradun secured the gold medal |
Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam, born on January 27, 1999, in Imphal West, Manipur, has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian weightlifting, particularly in the 55 kg weight category. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to international acclaim is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Early Life and Transition to Weightlifting
Initially, Bindyarani was engaged in taekwondo from 2008 to 2012. However, due to her shorter stature, she transitioned to weightlifting, a sport where her physique was deemed advantageous. This decision marked the beginning of her illustrious career in weightlifting.
Rise to Prominence
Bindyarani first garnered significant attention by clinching a gold medal at the 2019 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. She continued her impressive performance by securing a silver medal at the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. In the same year, she showcased her prowess at the World Weightlifting Championships by winning gold in the clean and jerk segment.
Commonwealth Games 2022
The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham marked a significant milestone in Bindyarani's career. Competing in the women's 55kg category, she lifted a total of 202 kg, comprising 86 kg in snatch and a record-breaking 116 kg in clean and jerk. This performance not only earned her a silver medal but also set a new Commonwealth Games record in the clean and jerk segment.
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| Bindyarani Devi at 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham |
Recent Achievements
In 2024, Bindyarani continued her medal-winning streak by securing a bronze medal at the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand. Competing in the non-Olympic women's 55kg category, she achieved a total lift of 196 kg, with 83 kg in snatch and 113 kg in clean and jerk. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in the clean and jerk segment of the competition.
In January 2025, at the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Bindyarani set a new national record in the snatch event of the women's 55kg category by lifting 88 kg, surpassing the previous record held by Mirabai Chanu. She continued her dominance in the clean and jerk segment, lifting 113 kg, and secured the gold medal with a total lift of 201 kg.
Challenges Amidst Adversity
Despite her international commitments, Bindyarani remains deeply connected to her roots in Manipur. During the Asian Championships in May 2023, she faced personal challenges due to unrest in her home state. Communication disruptions prevented her from contacting her family, adding emotional strain during the competition. Nevertheless, she showcased remarkable resilience by securing a silver medal in the women's 55kg category with a total lift of 194 kg.
Bindyarani Devi's journey from a village in Manipur to the international weightlifting arena exemplifies determination, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her achievements have not only brought pride to her home state but have also significantly contributed to India's stature in the global weightlifting community.