India has found another rising star in weightlifting. At just 21 years old, Valluri Ajaya Babu announced himself on one of the biggest international stages by winning the silver medal in the men's 79kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Even more impressive, he created history by setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 149kg lift, proving he belongs among the sport's elite.
Although he narrowly missed the gold medal by just 1kg, Ajaya's performance marked a breakthrough in Indian weightlifting and added another remarkable chapter to his family's sporting legacy.
Details About Ajaya Babu
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valluri Ajaya Babu |
| Age | 21 years |
| Hometown | Kondavelagada, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Sport | Weightlifting |
| Weight Category | Men's 79kg |
| Occupation | Indian Army (Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers) |
| Commonwealth Games 2026 | Silver Medal |
| Commonwealth Games Record | 149kg Snatch |
| Best International Total | 335kg |
How Ajaya Babu Made Headlines?
Image Source: Twitter
Ajaya entered the 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of India's strongest medal contenders, but his performance exceeded expectations.
Competing in the men's 79kg event, he lifted a combined 330kg, made up of a 149kg snatch and 181kg clean and jerk, to secure the silver medal.
His biggest achievement came during the snatch competition, where his 149kg lift established a new Commonwealth Games record. It showcased not only his strength but also his consistency under pressure on an international stage.
The gold medal slipped away by just 1kg, making the contest one of the closest finishes in the competition.
Ajaya Babu Age and Early Life
Born around 2004-05, Ajaya Babu grew up in Kondavelagada, a village in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district that has long been associated with weightlifting talent.
Unlike many athletes who discover their sport later, Ajaya was introduced to competitive training from an early age. His family already had deep roots in Indian weightlifting, giving him both inspiration and guidance during his formative years.
His journey reflects years of disciplined training rather than overnight success.
Ajaya Babu Career Highlights
Commonwealth Games 2026
The biggest moment of his career so far came in Glasgow.
He won the silver medal in the men's 79kg category with a 330kg total, while also creating a Commonwealth Games snatch record through his 149kg lift.
Although he narrowly finished behind the gold medallist, the performance established him as one of India's leading weightlifters.
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025
Ajaya continued his impressive form by winning the gold medal with a 335kg combined lift, demonstrating further improvement from previous international competitions.
The result confirmed that his Commonwealth Games success was backed by consistent elite-level performances.
Image Source: Twitter
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2024
His breakthrough on the international circuit came in Fiji, where he collected double gold medals by topping both the junior and senior categories.
Winning both divisions highlighted his ability to compete successfully against athletes across different experience levels.
Ajaya Babu Commonwealth Games Record
One of the defining achievements of Ajaya's career is his 149kg snatch, which became a new Commonwealth Games record.
Records often become the defining moments of sporting careers because they demonstrate excellence beyond simply winning medals. Even though Ajaya finished second overall, his record lift ensured his name entered the Games history books.
For Indian weightlifting, the achievement reinforced the country's growing reputation in international strength sports.
Ajaya Babu Family Background
Ajaya comes from one of India's notable weightlifting families.
His father, Valluri Srinivasa Rao, represented India internationally and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. His achievements inspired an entire generation of lifters from their hometown.
Interestingly, Ajaya's sporting journey could have taken a different direction.
As a child, his father encouraged him to pursue badminton, where he even attracted attention for his talent. However, Ajaya chose weightlifting, determined to continue the family's sporting tradition.
That decision has now resulted in another Commonwealth medal for the Valluri family.
The Promise That Motivated Ajaya
Image Source: Twitter
Before leaving for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Ajaya carried a personal goal that meant more than winning a medal.
His father had previously won Commonwealth bronze, and Ajaya wanted to go one step further by bringing home gold.
Although the gold medal narrowly escaped him by just 1kg, he still achieved something significant. His silver medal improved the family's Commonwealth record while his Games record lift ensured his performance would be remembered beyond the final standings.
It was a moment that symbolised both personal ambition and family legacy.
Ajaya Babu Indian Army Career
Away from competition, Ajaya serves in the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers.
Military life demands discipline, physical fitness and mental resilience, qualities that also play a crucial role in elite weightlifting.
Balancing professional military responsibilities with international competition reflects the commitment required to succeed at the highest level.
Indian weightlifting has produced several international champions over the years, but Ajaya represents a new generation capable of competing consistently at major events.
His career already combines:
- A Commonwealth Games silver medal.
- A Commonwealth Games record.
- Commonwealth Championship gold medals.
- Success in both junior and senior competitions.
- Elite performances before the age of 22.
These achievements suggest he has the potential to become one of India's leading medal contenders in future international tournaments.
Who Is Ajaya Babu?
Ajaya Babu is a 21-year-old Indian weightlifter from Andhra Pradesh who competes in the men's 79kg category. He won the silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, set a new Games record with a 149kg snatch, claimed Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships gold, and serves in the Indian Army while continuing his international weightlifting career.
What Is Ajaya Babu's Biggest Achievement?
His biggest achievement so far is winning the silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games while simultaneously setting a new Commonwealth Games snatch record with a 149kg lift.
Is Ajaya Babu Related to Valluri Srinivasa Rao?
Yes. Ajaya Babu is the son of former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Valluri Srinivasa Rao, making them one of India's notable father-son weightlifting families.
Career Highlights
- Won silver in the men's 79kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Set a Commonwealth Games record with a 149kg snatch.
- Recorded a 330kg combined lift at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Won gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships with a 335kg total.
- Claimed double gold medals in both junior and senior categories at the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
- Serves in the Indian Army while competing internationally.
- Continues the Commonwealth medal-winning legacy established by his father.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ajaya Babu?
Ajaya Babu is 21 years old.
Where is Ajaya Babu from?
He belongs to Kondavelagada in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district.
Which medal did Ajaya Babu win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
He won the silver medal in the men's 79kg weightlifting event.
What Commonwealth Games record does Ajaya Babu hold?
He set a new Commonwealth Games record in the snatch with a 149kg lift.
Does Ajaya Babu serve in the Indian Army?
Yes. He serves in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers while pursuing his weightlifting career.
What is Ajaya Babu's best international total?
His best international total is 335kg, achieved while winning gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.
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