E Hamidul Islam became the ' first Bangladeshi to win a weightlifting gold in an international meet. He also made sure the hosts' national anthem played for

the first time in the 11th SA Games when the weightlifter clinched the men's 77kg

than that when it's a first one in any competition,'' said Hamidul in his instant reaction after the achievement.

"A dream came true after a long battle. And it's special because I am the first Bangladeshi weightlifter who clinched gold medal in any international competi-

gold at the National Sports Council (NSC) Gymnasium yesterday.

attentions from now on after my success," he continued.

"We are not living respectful life. Hope things will change from now on," he hoped.

Hamidul, who clinched the silver in Islamabad Games and took the bronze in

All eyes were set in the event on Monday as an experienced Hamidul hogged the spotlight in the absence any rivalry from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, whose weightlifter didn't take part in the category eventually turning it into an all Bangladesh affair save a token participation from Afghanistan.

The man from Meherpur however didn't spoil the party in front of a cheering home crowd although his challenger and compatriot Monoronjon Roy felt that he was denied of showing his best

Monoronjon secured the silver to confirm a unique piece of history for Bangladesh claiming both the gold and silver in an event second time after shooting.

Mihammad

Mustafa

Afghanistan was the other participant in the event and got the bronze.

"I'm really delighted as it's a great honour for any athlete to win a gold medal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as her cash reward announcement has inspired every

the last Games in Colombo but in 62kg, started his career as weightlifter in 1992

Bangladeshi athletes. Like many other sports, weightlifting is also neglected in the

medal in the 56kg category on and Ashraful Islam to

long endeavour at last saw the light as he lifted a total of 257 Kg's to mark his superiority that was two kg more than Monoronjon Roy.

Monoronjon stunned everybody by pulling out 120kg in the snatch, three kg more than the gold medallist but Hamidul strongly bounced back in his favourite clean and jerk by lifting 140 kg, five kg more than Monoronjon. But the vivacious battle

had not finished before a drama as Monoronjon lifted 148kg in third attempt while Hamidul countered with 149kg but both of their second and third attempts were faulty due to elbow problem.

Hamidul who has been training hard for the last 13 months lifted 117 kg in the snatch and pulled out 140 Kg in the clean and jerk to take the total to257two kg's more than his compatriot challenger Monoronjon Roy.

Monoronjon however claimed that he was deprived of a gold medal as the authority didn't allow him to call more as per his desire.

"I don’t know why they stopped me from calling more. Maybe they wanted to see a senior weighdifter win the first gold medal," complained Monoronjon.

In the 85kg category, Pakistani Khurram Shahzad was by far better than his three challengers and lifted 293kg to bag the gold while Sri Lankan Romesh Samarasekara finished second for silver by pulling off 273kg while Bangladeshi Abdulla Al Mummin secured bronze with a total lift of260kg.