Eighteen-year-old Sairaj Pardesi, hailing from Manmad, Maharashtra, stole the spotlight at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad by winning gold in the junior men’s 88kg category. He set new junior Commonwealth records with a total lift of 348kg (157kg in snatch and 191kg in clean and jerk), a feat that surpassed even the senior category winner’s total.
Praised by Sports Authority of India officials, Pardesi’s victory has been hailed as a symbol of India’s rising youth talent and a hopeful indicator for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This triumph comes amid nationwide celebration and renewed confidence in nurturing sports talent beyond India’s metropolitan centres.
A Journey of Grit and Glory
Sairaj Pardesi’s rise to the top was anything but ordinary. The son of a scrap dealer in the small town of Manmad, Pardesi’s love for weightlifting was kindled alongside his brothers and inspired by his elder sister’s achievements in sports. From practicing on makeshift equipment in his hometown, he progressed under the guidance of Coach Pravin Vyavahare and later received advanced training at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Aurangabad.
Pardesi’s flawless performance at the Commonwealth Championships-completing all six attempts successfully-demonstrated not only raw talent but also mental and physical maturity rare for his age. After the event, he devoted his win to his family and the community that supported him throughout his journey.
SAI Director-General Sandip Pradhan lauded Pardesi, stating, “His achievement is a perfect example of how dedication combined with institutional support can develop world-class athletes outside traditional urban hubs. Sairaj’s record-breaking lifts show the enormous potential in India’s youth and junior athlete cadre.” The comments reflect India’s growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and coaching at the grassroots level.
Breaking Records, Setting New Standards
At the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, Pardesi’s total of 348kg surpassed the senior category gold medallist’s 347kg by a kilogram, underscoring his extraordinary capability. His snatch of 157kg and clean and jerk of 191kg set new junior Commonwealth benchmarks, while also exceeding national senior records in the 89kg class.
Experts believe that weighing in slightly under the 88kg limit, Pardesi could potentially lift even heavier totals as he matures and optimises his weight category.
Pardesi’s recent rapid progress began with a bronze at the Asian Junior Championships earlier in 2025, where he totaled 338kg. His ruthless consistency, six-for-six lift completion rate, and steady yearly improvements signal not just a talent, but a future contender for World and Olympic medals.
His coaches and the federation appear to be following a cautious but confident approach, focusing on long-term development while gradually exposing him to senior international competition.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite his evident talent, Pardesi has not yet been selected for senior World Championships squads, primarily due to timing and strategic planning by the federation. Officials cite early career management, avoiding burnout, and ensuring stability in weight classes and technique as reasons for this approach. Pardesi is currently training at the National Centre of Excellence in Patiala with a view toward peaking at the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
This cautious development pathway is common in weightlifting, where athletes often have careers spanning a decade or more. However, many observers suggest faster promotion to senior ranks is warranted given Pardesi’s record-breaking numbers and competitive readiness. Balancing athlete safety with ambition remains a fine line for Indian sports authorities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sairaj Pardesi’s inspiring ascent from humble beginnings to Commonwealth champion powerfully illustrates how talent and hard work can be transformed with adequate support and opportunity. His success challenges India’s sporting community to invest more deeply in decentralised and grassroots sports infrastructures that enable athletes in smaller towns and rural areas to thrive.
It also raises urgent questions about India’s talent management strategies-specifically, how best to nurture exceptional young athletes like Pardesi to reach their full potential while safeguarding their wellbeing.
At a time when India dreams big for Olympic medals, this story urges policymakers, coaches, and sportspersons to collaborate on creating inclusive, nurturing environments that prioritise longevity and mental health.
