India has made its mark in powerlifting, with its athletes securing notable victories. These powerhouse individuals have consistently pushed limits, lifting maximum weights in various categories, and solidifying India’s position in the sport.
Indian women powerlifters are making their mark globally, clinching trophies and shattering stereotypes. For these athletes, powerlifting is a journey of self-discovery, testing physical and mental boundaries. Balancing education or work with rigorous training, Indian powerlifters demonstrate unwavering dedication, pushing themselves to excel and become the best in their field.
MUKESH SINGH GEHLOT :
Mukesh Singh Gehlot, affectionately known as “Guru Ji,” is a legendary Indian powerlifter born on May 1, 1978, in Haryana. A mechanical engineering graduate, Gehlot has become a powerhouse in the sport, accumulating numerous accolades. His impressive achievements include two gold medals at the 2012 British Open Powerlifting Championships, and titles at the 2013 and 2016 World Powerlifting Championships. Notably, Gehlot made history in 2013 by lifting 700kg in the deadlift category, outlifting Mike Overview of the Netherlands by 27kg, and later competing in the 125kg Raw weight category in 2016.
MUKESH SHARMA :
Gaurav, a renowned Indian powerlifter from New Delhi, began his journey at 17. Under coach Bhupender’s guidance, he transitioned from weightlifting to powerlifting and achieved phenomenal success. Gaurav became a two-time powerlifting world champion, securing his first gold in the 140kg Raw category at the 2016 WPU World Championships in England. He dedicated the victory to his country and coach, crediting his hard work and Bhupender’s expertise. Later that year, Gaurav clinched his second gold at the World Championships, solidifying his position among India’s top powerlifters.
MOHAMMED AZMAT :
Mohammed Azmat, a seasoned Indian powerlifter from Bangalore, boasts over 25 years of experience in the sport. Balancing full-time work with rigorous training, Azmat has demonstrated unwavering dedication. His impressive achievements include gold medals at the Moscow GPA Worlds in the Full Powerlifting and Deadlifts Sub Masters Category, and the Russian WPC Asian Championship in both Full Powerlifting and Deadlifts Open Category. Azmat’s perseverance and passion have earned him an esteemed place among India’s top powerlifters.
SAKSHAM YADAV :
Saksham Yadav, affectionately known as Bablu, was a talented Indian powerlifter from Delhi. Born on October 7, 1993, he abandoned his engineering studies to pursue powerlifting, achieving remarkable success. Yadav won numerous national and state championships, culminating in gold medals at the 2016 Junior Powerlifting World Championship in Europe and the 2017 Powerlifting World Championships in Moscow. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he succumbed to injuries from a road accident, passing away on January 7, 2017, at just 23 years old, due to a heart attack.
Dr. MAJIZIYA BHANU :
Dr. Majiziya Bhanu, a trailblazing Indian powerlifter from Kerala, has shattered stereotypes with her remarkable strength and determination. Initially barred from boxing due to wearing braces, she discovered powerlifting while studying dentistry. Bhanu’s impressive career boasts over nine national and state gold medals between 2017-2018. Her crowning achievements include two world championship titles in 2018, winning the World Powerlifting Cup and World Deadlift Championship in Moscow, Russia, making her a two-time gold world champion.
S. LOGAPRIYA:
S. Logapriya, a resilient Indian powerlifter from Tamil Nadu, found solace in the sport amid personal challenges. Raised by a single mother, Logapriya began powerlifting to cope with her parents’ tumultuous relationship. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, she followed a rigorous training schedule, waking up at 6 am daily before college and returning to train until 9:30 pm. Her hard work paid off, as she emerged victorious in the National Powerlifting Championships twice, inspiring countless with her remarkable strength and perseverance.
RISHITAA JAIN:
Rishitaa Jain, a rising star in Indian powerlifting, started training in 2017 and quickly made a mark. By 17, she won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Canada. Jain is part of a proud legacy of Indian powerlifters, including Javed Mehta and Amandeep Singh. These trailblazers have earned international recognition, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps and continue India’s success in the sport.
KUNJARANI DEVI:
Kunjarani Devi, a trailblazing Indian weightlifter, made a historic splash at the 1989 World Championships in Manchester, winning silver at just 20 years old. This achievement marked her as India’s first world championship medalist. Devi went on to claim six more silver medals from 1991 to 1997, totaling seven world championship medals. She also secured consecutive Asian Games bronze medals in 1990 and 1994. After a brief dip in form, Devi rebounded with gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. She made her Olympic debut at Beijing 2004, finishing fourth, and defended her Commonwealth title in 2006 at 38 years old. Though elusive of an Olympic medal, Devi’s illustrious 17-year career inspires generations.
KARNAM MALLESWARI:
Karnam Malleswari burst onto the scene with 1993 World Championship bronze in the 54kg category, inspired by Kunjarani Devi. She became India’s first weightlifting world champion in 1994, repeating the feat in 1995. Malleswari also secured two Asian Games silvers and multiple world championship medals.
MIRABAI CHANU :
Mirabai Chanu, a talented Manipuri weightlifter, rose to prominence with a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. After a disappointing Rio 2016 Olympics, Chanu rebounded with gold at the 2017 World Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Leading up to Tokyo 2020, she set a new clean and jerk world record (119kg) in the women’s 49 kg category. In Tokyo 2020, Chanu made history, securing second-ever Olympic silver medal in women’s weightlifting. Continuing her success, Chanu defended her CWG title in 2022 and claimed a silver medal at the World Championships in Bogota. She is still in her 20’s and active, Chanu has ample time to expand her impressive medal tally at major international competitions.
