Eighteen-year-old Sairaj Pardeshi of India has emerged as the new sensation in global weightlifting, clinching a gold medal and shattering multiple records at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad.
The teenager, whose humble roots trace back to his father’s scrap-dealing business in Manmad, Maharashtra, delivered a dominant performance in the Junior Men’s 88 kg category.
Pardeshi secured the top spot with a phenomenal total lift of 348 kilograms, which included a 157 kg snatch and a 191 kg clean & jerk. This performance was not just a personal best but resulted in new Junior Commonwealth Records in all three aspects: Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and the Total.
In a stunning display of his potential, Sairaj’s total of 348 kg was reportedly one kilogram more than the winning total in the senior category at the same championship, signaling his readiness for the highest levels of the sport. His flawless execution, successfully completing all six of his attempts, showcased remarkable composure for his age.
Sairaj’s victory is an inspiring tale of perseverance. Growing up assisting his father at the scrapyard, he began his weightlifting journey using makeshift equipment.
He was initially trained by his local coach, Pravin Vyavahare, before his exceptional talent earned him a spot at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence. This latest victory follows a consistent rise, which includes a gold medal at the 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Championships.
Pardeshi is now being hailed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as a promising contender for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, carrying the hopes of a nation on his rapidly strengthening shoulders.
Despite his international success, the young champion remains grounded, balancing his rigorous training regimen with his 12th-grade board examinations in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. His immediate goal is to secure a podium finish at the upcoming 2025 National Games, before fully focusing on his Olympic dream.
India’s New Strength: Sairaj Pardesi Smashes Records at Commonwealth Championships discusses Sairaj’s record-breaking performance at the Commonwealth Championships and his background as the son of a scrap dealer.
