Ghana missed out on a huge opportunity to grab its first medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games after its debuting weightlifter, Haruna Tahiru, finished 5th on Friday, Josiah Okoe Quaye reports.

Ghana’s Commonwealth Games baton bearer, recorded a successful best lift of 212kg with his opening and second attempts both at 212kg. He was unable to complete his final attempt at 218kg, leaving him in fifth place in a highly competitive field.

Tahiru’s fifth-place finish means Ghana will have to wait for the subsequent athletes in the coming days in other disciplines to get onto the medal board if they can get onto the podium.

Despite failing to win a medal, the para weightlifter reflected on the lofty moment of competing at the Games, a feat he describes as a proud moment for himself and his country.

“This is my first Commonwealth Games and I’m very excited. I’m not disappointed because, unlike other competitions where we compete in 10 weight classes, the Commonwealth Games uses only two classes. They’ve combined everyone together, making the competition much tougher. After each lift, body weight also comes into play, so it was a great battle”, Tahiru stated after missing out on a podium finish.

When asked about why he appeared too relaxed before his opening lift, he insisted that staying calm is part of his approach to competition. He said “That’s who I am. People who know me understand that I like to stay relaxed before I lift.”

Tahiru’s performance marked Ghana’s first appearance in para powerlifting at the Games, with the athlete leaving Glasgow encouraged by the experience and determined to return stronger in future international competitions.