Muthupandi Raja Smashes National Record with 302kg Total in Men’s 65kg

Indian weightlifting witnessed a significant milestone as Muthupandi Raja rewrote the national record books in the men’s 65kg category, lifting a combined total of 302kg at the ongoing National Weightlifting Championships.

The performance not only secured him top honours but also marked a three-kilogram improvement over his previous national mark.

Raja’s record-breaking effort comprised a 130kg snatch and a 172kg clean & jerk, underlining his growing consistency across both lifts. The 302kg total is now the highest ever achieved by an Indian lifter in the 65kg category, surpassing his previous best of 299kg registered at the World Championships in October 2025. Prior to that, he had totaled 296kg at the Commonwealth Championships in August 2025, indicating a steady upward progression in his performance curve.

The latest lift confirms Raja’s emergence as India’s leading 65kg contender and positions him within striking distance of elite international standards. While his clean & jerk continues to be a strong suit at 172kg, there remains visible headroom in the snatch. A marginal improvement in that phase could push him even closer to Asian and world podium benchmarks.

Closing the Gap with the Best

The context of this record makes it even more significant. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Olympic champion Jeremy Lalrinnunga had secured gold in the 67kg category with a total of 300kg (later competing around the 65kg–67kg range in international transitions). Raja’s 302kg now edges past Jeremy’s 295kg total recorded recently in his comeback phase, signaling a shift in domestic hierarchy within the weight class.

Jeremy Lalrinnunga, returning from injury setbacks, managed a 295kg total at the championships—commendable, but still below his peak levels. His gradual return to competition adds depth to India’s 65kg field, but Raja’s current trajectory suggests he has seized the momentum.

Raja’s numbers over the past year reflect structured progression rather than a one-off spike. From 296kg at the Commonwealth Championships to 299kg at the World Championships, and now 302kg domestically, the incremental gains show careful planning and conditioning. The three-kilogram jump may appear modest on paper, but at elite weightlifting levels, even a single kilogram can represent months of technical refinement and strength conditioning.

More importantly, the 130kg snatch equals a strong benchmark in Asian competition standards. If Raja can consistently push that lift into the 132–135kg range while maintaining his 170kg-plus clean & jerk stability, he will firmly enter the upper tier of continental contenders.

Charu Pesi’s Rise Adds Competition

Another notable performance came from Charu Pesi, who totaled 296kg (129kg snatch + 167kg clean & jerk), improving his personal best by six kilograms. His upward trend has been visible across recent competitions, and the jump in total reflects strengthening confidence and technical maturity.

With Raja at 302kg, Charu at 296kg, and Jeremy at 295kg, India’s 65kg division now features three lifters clustered within a narrow performance band. This competitive internal ecosystem could prove beneficial as India prepares for key qualification cycles leading toward the Asian Championships and beyond.

Raja’s clean & jerk remains the defining pillar of his total. The 172kg lift was executed with control and balance, showing improved jerk stability compared to earlier outings where overhead lockout had occasionally looked vulnerable. His snatch at 130kg was efficient but leaves room for incremental refinement in the pull and catch phase. The technical balance between the two lifts is crucial. Historically, Indian lifters in this class have relied more heavily on clean & jerk totals to compensate for snatch deficits. Raja’s ability to build both lifts simultaneously marks a positive shift toward international competitiveness.

With the national record now at 302kg, Raja has set a new domestic benchmark. The next test will be translating this performance into international events, where competition depth and psychological pressure increase substantially. A slight push in the snatch could elevate him toward 305kg territory a number that would firmly place him among serious Asian contenders. Given his current growth trajectory, that milestone appears within reach.

For Indian weightlifting, this performance signals depth, rivalry, and upward momentum in the 65kg division. And at the center of it stands Muthupandi Raja national record holder, steadily climbing toward elite territory.