There was mass jubilation in Patnaun village of Hamirpur district after Vikas Thakur won his third successive Commonwealth Games medal in weightlifting.
Vikas won the silver medal in the 96 kg weight category by lifting a total of 346 kg. He lifted 155 kg in snatch and 191 kg in clean and jerk.
He had earlier won a bronze at the Gold Coast in 2018 and bagged the silver medal at the 2014 Glasgow
CWG.
Vikas’ parents glued their eyes on the Television since 6.30 pm on Tuesday to watch their son’s performance. There was a wave of happiness all around in the house and in the village as well when the 28-year-old confirmed the medal.
They also distributed sweets to those visiting their house to congratulate them for the grand success of their ward, who is also a warrant officer in Indian Air Force.
Sangeet Atri, Vikas’ the brother in law, said that it was a great achievement to win a medal for the third time. He said that he spoke to him over the telephone and congratulated on the victory.
Meanwhile, Prem Kumar Dhumal, the former Chief Minister of the state has congratulated Vikas and his family. He said that the day is not far off when will get a medal in the Olympics as he was a hard task master.
Bhupinder Singh Thakur, National level Athletics coach from Mandi district said that it was a record achievement by any Himachali. He told UNI that he had seen Thakur working hard during practice when they both were in the NIS, Patiala.
