Manama, Bahrain – Indian weightlifter Priteesmita Bhoi etched her name in the record books at the Youth Asian Games in Bahrain on Sunday, October 26, 2025, by setting a new world youth record in the girls' 44kg clean and jerk category. The 16-year-old's exceptional performance not only secured her a gold medal but also marked India's first individual gold at the Games.

Bhoi's record-breaking lift of 92kg in the clean and jerk was the highlight of her competition. She began confidently, successfully lifting 87kg in her first attempt, followed by 90kg in her second. On her third attempt, she hoisted 92kg, sending waves of elation through the Indian contingent and establishing a new world youth record.

Prior to her record-setting clean and jerk, Bhoi also demonstrated her strength in the snatch event, securing a silver medal with a lift of 66kg. She attempted 68kg and 69kg in her subsequent attempts but was unsuccessful. Wu Jihong of China won gold in the snatch with a lift of 68kg, while Dao Thi Yen of Vietnam took bronze with 64kg.

At the Asian Youth Games, medals are awarded separately for the snatch and the clean and jerk, with no medals given for overall totals. Bhoi's total lift of 158kg (66kg in snatch and 92kg in clean and jerk) was the highest amongst all seven weightlifters in her category.

Wu Jihong of the People's Republic of China secured silver in the clean and jerk with a lift of 88kg, while Princess Jay Ann Diaz of the Philippines won bronze with 78kg.

Bhoi's gold in the clean and jerk is India's third gold medal at the 2025 Asian Youth Games. The other two golds were won by the men's and women's kabaddi teams. Arumugapandian Maharajan also contributed to India's medal tally by clinching silver in both the snatch and clean and jerk in the boys' 60kg category. He lifted 114kg in snatch and 142kg in clean and jerk. Additionally, India's girls' medley relay team, consisting of Edwina Jason, Tannu, Bhumika Nehate, and Shourya Ambure, secured a medal in athletics.

India is competing at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, which are being held in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to October 31. This marks India's second appearance in the competition since the 2009 edition. The country participated as Independent Olympic Athletes in the 2013 edition. This year's contingent includes 222 athletes across 21 sports, along with 90 support staff and officials.