Weightlifters representing SAI STC Car Nicobar delivered strong performances at the ASMITA Khelo India South Zone Women’s League held in Thrissur, Kerala, from December 1 to 5, 2025. The athletes secured podium finishes across multiple categories, marking a notable achievement for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a competition that drew participants from several South Indian states. The contingent showcased competitive spirit, technical strength and consistent preparation, reflecting the growing depth of weightlifting talent in the islands.
The standout performance came from 15-year-old Tanyasha of Vikas Nagar, Nancowry, who clinched the gold medal in the Youth Girls 63 kg category. She recorded a total lift of 130 kg, comprising 56 kg in snatch and 74 kg in clean and jerk. Her win came after a close contest against competitors from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, highlighting both her composure and competitive readiness at the zonal level. Her performance also affirmed her position among promising youth lifters emerging from remote island communities.
In the Senior Women 49 kg category, 19-year-old Alaska Aleena of Chukchucha Village, Car Nicobar, secured the bronze medal with a total lift of 110 kg. Her effort included 49 kg in snatch and 61 kg in clean and jerk. The podium finish in a senior category underscored the progress of athletes transitioning from youth training systems to senior-level competition.
Another bronze medal came from 15-year-old M. R. Prithika of Tapoiming Village, Car Nicobar, who competed in the Youth Girls 53 kg category. She achieved a total lift of 101 kg, lifting 43 kg in snatch and 58 kg in clean and jerk. Her performance added to the medal tally and signalled the growing competitiveness of young weightlifters trained under the island’s sports development programmes.
All three athletes train under coach S. Chidambara Rajan at SAI STC Car Nicobar. The centre has been expanding its structured training framework over the years, emphasising disciplined coaching, fitness conditioning and sport-specific development. The achievements in Thrissur reflect the combined effort of athletes and coaching staff working to raise performance standards at regional and national events.
The success of the Car Nicobar athletes also highlights the broader developmental role played by SAI STC in the islands. The centre’s programmes are supported by SAI NSEC Kolkata Region, including administrative and operational guidance from senior officials. Regular training schedules, access to sporting infrastructure and targeted support for promising talent contribute to the steady rise in competitive results across disciplines, including weightlifting.
Sports officials at the centre noted that achievements at zonal competitions offer young athletes the confidence needed to perform at higher levels. The ability of island-based sportspersons to compete effectively against athletes from mainland states also points to improvements in training rigour, technical coaching and exposure opportunities facilitated through SAI’s youth development framework.
The medal-winning efforts from the ASMITA Women’s League add momentum to the weightlifting programme at Car Nicobar, encouraging more young athletes to participate in strength-based sports. The competitions also offer a platform for assessing performance benchmarks and identifying areas for refinement as athletes prepare for upcoming national-level tournaments.
By securing top finishes in Thrissur, the island athletes have helped reinforce the region’s sporting presence and demonstrated the potential for continued growth in weightlifting. Their performances serve as indicators of the expanding talent pool nurtured through local training initiatives and provide a boost to sports development efforts across the islands.
