"Proud to represent New Zealand": David Liti reflects on gold medal triumph after edging Lovepreet Singh
Glasgow, July 31
New Zealand weightlifter David Andrew Liti expressed his delight after winning gold in the men's 110+kg weightlifting category, saying he was proud to represent his country and deliver the performance he had aimed for.
He also praised the competition with India, highlighting the strengths of both nations and the role of strong rivalry in pushing athletes to improve.
India's weightlifting campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 concluded on a high note on Thursday, with Lovepreet Singh adding another medal to the tally by securing silver in the men's 110+kg category in Glasgow.
Liti produced a Commonwealth Games record clean and jerk lift of 223kg to surge past Lovepreet and claim gold with a total of 389kg, edging the Indian by a solitary kilogram. The New Zealander had earlier registered 166kg in the snatch.
"I am very happy. This is exactly what we came here for. I am proud to represent New Zealand and take a gold medal home. I just wanted to perform well, give my best effort, and put together my strongest performance. I am delighted that it all came together today," Liti told ANI.
"India is strong in many areas, but New Zealand also excels in different aspects. It is great to have such strong competition and continue pushing each other to perform better," he added.
The New Zealander overturned a daunting 15 kg deficit with a single lift, edging Lovepreet by the narrowest possible margin, just one kilogram denying the Indian a memorable gold despite his outstanding effort.
It was India's eighth medal in weightlifting at the Games. Earlier, Mirabai Chanu (women's 48kg - gold), Rishikanta Singh (men's 60kg - silver), Muthupandi Raja (men's 65kg - silver), Bindyarani Devi (women's 58kg - bronze), Gyaneshwari Yadav (women's 53kg - silver), Valluri Ajaya Babu (men's 79kg - silver), and Harjinder Kaur (women's 69kg - silver) had also secured podium finishes for the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Lovepreet's effort was commendable, but that 223kg clean and jerk by Liti was something else! Hats off to both athletes. New Zealand and India are both producing world-class weightlifters. This rivalry will only make us stronger. 💪
A 15kg deficit overturned in one lift—that's the kind of resilience that defines champions. David Liti deserved the gold, and Lovepreet should hold his head high. Silver in such a competitive field is a huge achievement. Well done, India! 👏
It's heartwarming to see athletes from different countries praising each other's strengths. Liti's comments about India's weightlifting prowess show the mutual respect on the global stage. Lovepreet, you've made every Indian proud! 🏆
While the silver is great, I can't help but feel we need to focus more on converting narrow losses into wins. The 1kg margin is a bitter pill to swallow. But credit to Liti for that incredible record lift. Great sportsmanship all around.
Eight medals in weightlifting—India is clearly a powerhouse in this sport! Lovepreet's silver adds to the glorious tally. It's not about the colour of the medal; it's about the fight and the spirit. Shabash! 🇮🇳
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