18-year-old Sairaj Pardeshi, son of a scrap dealer from Maharashtra, made history by winning gold at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships with a record 348 kg lift, marking him as India’s rising Olympic hope.
18-year-old Sairaj Pardeshi, son of a scrap dealer from Manmad, Maharashtra, created history at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Ahmedabad. Competing in the junior men’s 88 kg division, he lifted a staggering total of 348 kg—snatching 157 kg and clean & jerking 191 kg—setting new junior Commonwealth records in both lifts and the total. Even more impressively, his total edged out the senior gold medallist’s by a kilogram.
A Rise Heralding Olympic Aspirations
Pardeshi’s incredible performance has been hailed by Sports Authority of India officials as a potent symbol of India’s emerging youth talent and a beacon for the nation’s ambitions leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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A Journey Forged in Humble Roots
From Manmad’s scrapyards to the global stage, Sairaj’s journey is built on perseverance. Growing up in modest circumstances, he trained using makeshift equipment near the Jai Bhavani Vyayamshala in his hometown. Early guidance came from coach Pravin Vyavahare before he transitioned to advanced training at SAI’s National Centre of Excellence in Aurangabad under coaches like DD Sharma.
A Trail of Accolades
- 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Championships (Doha)
Pardeshi claimed gold in the 81 kg youth category with a total lift of 310 kg, breaking youth national records in snatch, clean & jerk, and total.
- 2025 Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG)
At the 81 kg youth category, he smashed three youth national records—snatch (140 kg), clean & jerk (172 kg), and total (312 kg)—earning gold.
- Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships (2025)
Competing in the 86 kg junior division, Sairaj lifted a combined 338 kg (152 kg snatch + 186 kg clean & jerk), securing a bronze medal.
Shafts of Support and the Next Milestone
Behind every lift lies unwavering support—from his family and local coaches to national institutions. In a moment that mirrored his journey, Pardeshi mentioned his confidence in acing his 12th-grade board exams—remarking, “I haven’t studied much yet, but if I get 15 days to prepare, I believe I can clear them.”
His next goal? A podium finish at the 2025 National Games, where he plans to continue balancing sport and academics, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as his chosen subjects.
Sairaj Pardeshi’s story is a compelling reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere. His feats—backed by grit, local training, and institutional support—signal a bright future for Indian weightlifting. As he looks ahead to senior-level success and academic achievements, his journey continues to inspire beyond sport.
