Weightlifter Achinta Sheuli (73kg) lived up to his top billing as he clinched India’s third gold in the Commonwealth Games here. Debutant Sheuli heaved 313kg (143kg+170kg) to grab the gold at NEC Hall here on Sunday.

Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad, who gave Sheuli a tough competition, ended up as the second-best lifter in the event. He had the best effort of 303kg (138kg+165kg).

Sheuli, a junior world championship silver medallist, executed three clean lifts — 137kg, 140kg and 143kg — in the snatch section. His 143kg effort helped him smash the Games record and improve his personal best.

Heading into clean and jerk with a five-kilogram advantage, the Kolkata lifter started with a 166kg lift, which he hoisted easily. Sheuli then faltered in his 170kg attempt only to heave the weight in the third attempt and create a new Games record in a total lift (313kg).

The Indian lifter had to wait patiently towards the end to find out what medal he’d take home as the Malaysian attempted a 176kg lift in his last two attempts only to fail. With the gold from Sheuli, the Indian weightlifting contingent has bagged its sixth medal of the Games.