How CWG Medalist Sanket Sargar Is Boosting Voter Awareness On Home Turf Sangli As EC Ambassador

Weightlifter Sanket Sargar says he prefers 'to vote for the representative who talks about sports and related things', and details his outreach efforts.

ECI appointed Sanket Sargar brand ambassador in Maharashtra's Sangli.

Source : Getty Images

The Election Commission (EC) of India has appointed Indian weightlifter Sanket Sargar as its ambassador for voter awareness in Maharashtra’s Sangli. Sargar made history on July 30, 2022, by clinching the first-ever medal for India at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. The 23-year-old won the silver medal in the men’s 55-kg weightlifting event. 

Expressing his commitment to the cause, Sargar said on Sunday, “We and our friends, along with other officials go and [make people aware] aware of our right to vote and tell them what it means to vote.”

“As a voter, I prefer to vote for the representative who talks about sports and related things. I move around the Sangli district and tell the people about the importance of voting in a democracy,” he told ANI. 

#WATCH | Maharashtra | On Election Commission appoints him as the Brand Ambassador in Sangli, Indian Weightlifter Sanket Sargar says, "We and our friends, along with other officials go and aware people about our right to vote and tell them what it means to vote. As a voter, I… pic.twitter.com/PZoQfKfBbG

— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2024

Sanket Sargar's 2022 Commonwealth Medal

In a closely contested event, Sargar lifted a total of 248kg (113kg in snatch, 135kg in clean and jerk), securing the silver medal behind Malaysia’s Aniq Mohamad, who clinched gold with a total lift of 249kg (107kg in snatch 142kg in clean and jerk). 

Despite a stiff competition from his Malaysian counterpart, Sargar maintained his lead by successfully lifting 111kg on his second snatch attempt. He extended his advantage by lifting 113kg in his final snatch attempt, ultimately securing the silver medal.  

READ | CWG 2022: Weightlifter Sanket Sargar Wins Silver To Open India's Account In Birmingham

Who Is Sanket Sargar? 

Hailing from Sangli, Maharashtra, Sanket Sargar has been a consistent performer in weightlifting. He has previously triumphed at the Khelo India Youth Games, and the Khelo India University Games in 2020. His remarkable performance at the Commonwealth Games earned him wide renown. 

Sargar, who set a new Commonwealth and national record at the Asian qualifiers in Singapore earlier in 2022, demonstrated exceptional skill during the competition. He cleared all three of his snatch lifts on his first attempt, starting with 107kg and gradually increasing to 113kg. 

Sanket Sargar, who first took up weightlifting at the age of 13, has been a well-known name in the field. 

READ | 'Proud Of Your Silver': PM Modi, Sehwag Lead Wishes As Sanket Sargar Wins Silver Medal At CWG 2022

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