Father’s Legacy, Son’s Silver at CWG 2026

Valluri Ajaya Babu delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by winning the silver medal in the men's 79kg weightlifting category. The 21-year-old athlete from Kondavelagada village in Andhra Pradesh lifted a total of 330kg, including 149kg in the snatch and 181kg in the clean and jerk. Malaysia's Hidayat Mohammad claimed the gold by lifting just one kilogram more, while England's Chris Murray secured the bronze with 325kg.

Ajaya's achievement carries special significance as it continues a proud family tradition in weightlifting. His father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, won a bronze medal in the 56kg category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Sixteen years later, the son has added another Commonwealth medal to the family's legacy, while also helping India increase its medal tally in weightlifting to six at the 2026 Games.