Indian weightlifter Sairaj Pardeshi has etched his name in the record books after winning gold in the men’s 88kg junior category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad. The 18-year-old sensation lifted an impressive 348 kg in total, with 157 kg in snatch and 191 kg in clean & jerk, breaking multiple junior Commonwealth records.
Who is Sairaj Pardeshi?
Sairaj Pardeshi, an 18-year-old weightlifter from Manmad, Maharashtra, has quickly risen as one of India’s brightest young sporting stars. Coming from a modest background as the son of a scrap dealer, Pardeshi began training with makeshift equipment under coach Pravin Vyavahare before joining the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Aurangabad. His hard work paid off in 2024 when he won gold at the Asian Youth & Junior Championships in Doha with a record-breaking 310 kg lift.
A Performance To Remember
Pardeshi’s effort was nothing short of extraordinary, as he surpassed the existing snatch record of 155 kg and improved the clean & jerk record, setting new benchmarks in all three: snatch, clean & jerk, and total weight. What made his achievement even more remarkable was the fact that his total lift would have been enough to secure gold in the senior category as well, placing him ahead of Canada’s Braydon Kennedy, who finished with 347 kg.
SAIRAJ PARDESHI WINS THE GOLD MEDAL AT THE COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 88KG____
The 18-year-old lifter has lifted a total of 348 KG (157+191) in the Jr Category
To put things in perspective, the Sr NR in 89 KG is 337 KG (150, 188)
A great talent to watch out for
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— SPORTS ARENA__ (@SportsArena1234) August 29, 2025
India’s Rising Weightlifting Star
This gold medal not only added to India’s medal tally but also reinforced the growing dominance of young Indian lifters on the international stage. Pardeshi’s determination, composure, and sheer power at such a young age reflect his potential to become one of the leading names in global weightlifting. His journey from a promising youngster to a record-breaking champion is now inspiring many aspiring athletes across the country.