Maharashtra’s Young Talent Shines: Teenager Sairaj Pardeshi Creates History at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025
Sairaj Pardeshi: From Manmad to Commonwealth Glory – A New Star in Indian Weightlifting
Ahmedabad, August 2025 – Eighteen-year-old Sairaj Pardeshi, a young lad from Manmad, Maharashtra, has created इतिहास (history) at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships by clinching gold in the junior men’s 88kg category. With a phenomenal lift of 348 kg (157 kg in snatch + 191 kg in clean & jerk), Sairaj not only broke junior Commonwealth records but also surpassed the senior category gold medallist’s total by 1 kg – a rare and remarkable feat.
His performance left the crowd in awe and filled the entire nation with garv (pride). For many, this was not just a medal – it was the sapna (dream) of a small-town boy turning into reality on the international stage.
Sairaj Pardeshi: From Manmad to Commonwealth Glory – A New Star in Indian Weightlifting
Ahmedabad, August 2025 – Eighteen-year-old Sairaj Pardeshi, a young lad from Manmad, Maharashtra, has created इतिहास (history) at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships by clinching gold in the junior men’s 88kg category. With a phenomenal lift of 348 kg (157 kg in snatch + 191 kg in clean & jerk), Sairaj not only broke junior Commonwealth records but also surpassed the senior category gold medallist’s total by 1 kg – a rare and remarkable feat.
His performance left the crowd in awe and filled the entire nation with garv (pride). For many, this was not just a medal – it was the sapna (dream) of a small-town boy turning into reality on the international stage.
A Journey of Struggles, Sacrifice & Success
Born into a humble family, Sairaj is the son of a scrap dealer in Manmad. His childhood was not surrounded by luxury but by junoon (passion) and hard work. Inspired by his siblings, who were also into sports, Sairaj began weightlifting with jugaad equipment – rusty rods and makeshift weights.
Under the early guidance of Coach Pravin Vyavahare, he sharpened his raw strength. Later, his talent caught the eye of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and he was inducted into the National Centre of Excellence in Aurangabad. With better facilities, world-class coaches, and sheer determination, the boy who once trained in his backyard went on to conquer the Commonwealth stage.
After his victory, an emotional Sairaj dedicated the medal to his family and coaches, saying: “Ye medal sirf mera nahi hai, ye meri maa, pita aur pura Manmad ke liye hai.”
Breaking Records & Setting New Standards
Sairaj’s lifts – 157 kg snatch and 191 kg clean & jerk – set new junior Commonwealth records. More importantly, his total of 348 kg was 1 kg higher than the senior gold medallist’s 347 kg, proving that this teenager is already performing at a world-class level.
Experts believe Sairaj is still under his peak weight category and, with time, could lift even more. This meteoric rise mirrors his steady progress – from winning bronze at the 2025 Asian Junior Championships (338 kg) to now rewriting Commonwealth records within months.
Sports officials praised him, with SAI Director-General Sandip Pradhan commenting:
“Sairaj’s achievement proves that India’s छुपा हुआ (hidden) talent is not limited to metros. With सही support and training, छोटे शहर ke athletes can also shine at the world stage.”
More Than Just a Medal – A Symbol of India’s Youth Power
This victory is not just about lifting weights; it is about lifting the hopes of an entire generation. Coming from a chhota sa sheher (small town), Sairaj represents the strength of India’s grassroots sports culture. His success sends a clear message – talent ko bas ek mauka chahiye, aur phir woh duniya jeet sakta hai (talent only needs one opportunity to conquer the world).
Back home, celebrations erupted in Manmad. Neighbours, relatives, and friends thronged his house, showering him with flowers, sweets, and blessings. His father, often seen collecting scrap, reportedly had aankhon mein aansu (tears in his eyes) during Sairaj’s medal ceremony.
The Road Ahead – Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
While he has not yet been pushed into senior squads, the Indian Weightlifting Federation is carefully grooming him for bigger platforms. The plan is to prepare him for the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sairaj himself remains grounded, balancing his Class 12 PCM board studies with training. With a cheeky smile, he said:
“Padhai bhi zaroori hai. Agar 15 din mil gaye toh boards bhi nikal lunga, aur barbell bhi utha lunga.”
Conclusion – A New Hero for Bharat
In an era where India is dreaming of multiple Olympic medals, Sairaj Pardeshi’s story is both an inspiration and a wake-up call. It proves that junoon aur mehnat (passion and hard work), when combined with proper institutional support, can create champions from even the smallest towns of Bharat.
Today, Sairaj is not just a weightlifter – he is a symbol of hope, determination, and desh ka garv (nation’s pride).
About the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025
The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships is one of the most prestigious platforms for lifters from across 70+ Commonwealth nations. The 2025 edition witnessed fierce competition across multiple weight categories, where lifters battled in the Snatch and Clean & Jerk events.
Winners here don’t just earn medals — they also secure recognition that paves the way for future Commonwealth Games and even the Olympics.
Eligibility for Participation
To qualify for the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025, athletes must meet certain strict standards:
- Nationality (राष्ट्रीयता): Athletes must belong to a recognized Commonwealth nation.
- Age Groups (आयु वर्ग):
- Youth: 13–17 years
- Junior: 15–20 years
- Senior: 21+ years
- Qualification Totals: Competitors must cross the Minimum Qualifying Total (MQT) set by the federation.
- National Representation: Lifters are nominated and approved by their respective national federations (like the Indian Weightlifting Federation).
- WADA Compliance: Mandatory anti-doping tests to ensure fair play.
