Sikkim’s Sanjay Budhathoki has powered the Himalayan state to the world stage of powerlifting by bagged a bronze in the World Championship conducted by the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) in Moscow from December 16 to 20.
The 39-year-old Sanjay won the bronze in deadlift in the 100 kg category on the penultimate day of the event in which over 5,000 powerlifters from 28 countries had taken part. He was part of the seven-member Indian team which eventually ended up winning four medals, including two silver and two bronze.
Deadlift is a weight training exercise in which a loaded barbell or bar is lifted off the ground to the level of the hips, torso perpendicular to the floor, before being placed back on the ground. It is one of the three powerlifting exercises, along with the squat and bench press.
Sanjay said he was delighted to win a medal in his first international competition, and his target would be to go for gold next time round. “Since this was my first international event, I was very nervous at first. Made some mistakes, but also got to learn many things. I will go for the gold next year,” he told The Telegraph from Moscow on Thursday.
The powerlifter hails from a small village of Rorathang in East Sikkim, but presently resides in the neighbouring Rangpo town. “Journey from Rorathang to Russia. Cement dumbbells to international weights! Thank you God for being there for me in all my struggle(s) May now I lift and push the young athletes too!” he said on his Facebook page.
Sanjay also doubles up as a trainer and owns a chain of gyms in Sikkim under the brand name Body Vibe Gym. He is also the president of the Sikkim unit of the World Fitness Federation. “I am committed to producing more champions from my state. Let us take our state and country to the top,” he said.
The champion powerlifter said it was always his dream to represent the country on the global stage and the Moscow event provided him with that opportunity. “I have worked for this for 16 years. Despite giving my best, I couldn’t win the gold this time. But with the love and support of my family and friends, I could at least bring home a bronze. Please love me and support me always,” he added.
