Indian weightlifters Ajith Narayana and Achinta Sheuli finished first and second, respectively, in Group B of the men's 73kg event at the Asian Championships here on Monday.

Competing in his first senior international tournament, Ajith lifted a total of 307kg (139kg+168kg), while Achinta could only manage 305kg (140kg+165kg).

Both lifters were assigned Group B based on their entry weights. The lifters who register the highest entry weight are placed in group A, followed by B and so on.

Achinta, who is coming off a hamstring injury that forced him to withdraw from last year's World Championships, put up an underwhelming display as he could mange only three legal lifts.

The 2021 Junior World Championship silver medallist had a best effort of 140kg in snatch, and that too, in his second try. His personal best in the section is 143kg.

He had failed attempts of 169kg and 171kg in the clean and jerk section.

The Calcutta lifter had lifted 170kg during his gold-winning feat at the Commonwealth Games last year.

The Indian contingent thus returns with three silver medals from the event.