CWG 2022: Meet Sudhir - the Haryana para-powerlifter who beat-the-odds to become star

Who is Sudhir: India on Thursday (August 5) bagged a sixth Gold medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Para-powerlifter Sudhir secured a Gold as he finished on top in the men's heavyweight category final. Sudhir's spirited performance was historic as he broke the Games record and also brought India's first ever Gold in para-powerlifting. An Asian Para Games bronze medallist in 2018, Sudhir lifted 208-kg in his first attempt. In the second attempt, he lifted 212-kg to gather 134.5 points. In his third lift, Sudhir failed to lift 217-kg which also happens to be his personal best.

Sudhir winning a Gold medal invited praise from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The President in a congratulatory message for Sudhir's historic feat said that his spirited performance has brought both medal and glory for India.

"Congratulations to Sudhir for his historic feat in winning gold in para-powerlifting in #CommonwealthGames. Your spirited performance and dedication brought you the medal and glory for India. May you shine in your future endeavours," she tweeted.

PM Modi also lauded Sudhir as he tweeted: "A great start to the CWG 2022 para-sports medal count by Sudhir! He wins a prestigious Gold and shows yet again his dedication and determination. He has been consistently performing well on the field. Congratulations and best wishes to him for all upcoming endeavours."

A great start to the CWG 2022 para-sports medal count by Sudhir! He wins a prestigious Gold and shows yet again his dedication and determination. He has been consistently performing well on the field. Congratulations and best wishes to him for all upcoming endeavours. pic.twitter.com/6V2mXZsEma

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2022

Who is Sudhir

Sudhir comes from a farmer's family in the Sonipat district of Haryana. He had contracted polio when he was just four-year-old. He had developed interest in sports at an early age and was keen on participating in weightlifting events. 

It was in 2013 when Sudhir started his sporting career. He secured a Gold medal in his first nationals in 2016. He represented India internationally first time in 2018 at the Asian Para Games.