A story that inspires
Mumbai boy with Down syndrome wins Commonwealth powerlifting gold medal
Seventeen-year-old Prithviraj Sengupta, a rising star in powerlifting, won gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship. Despite his Down syndrome, he triumphed through sheer determination, mentorship, and support from his family, setting his sights on the Olympics while excelling in baking and dance.
In Short
- Prithviraj won gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship
- His grandmother helped him shed 13 kgs through innovative recipes
- Prithvi trained under national champion Madhukar Darekar for six months
Seventeen-year-old Prithviraj Sengupta has made India proud by clinching gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Born in November 2006, Prithviraj grew up in Mumbai with his mother and grandparents. His introduction to sports came on the recommendation of his doctor, Shobha Sharma, who suggested physical activity to help with his Down syndrome by improving muscle tone. Following this advice, his family explored various sports such as skating, running, swimming, football, and badminton for him to try.
Prithvi’s real breakthrough occurred when coach Sanket Arekar noticed his exceptional strength for his age. Inspired by this, Prithvi’s father encouraged him to pursue powerlifting. Despite only six months of training under the guidance of nine-time national champion, the late Shree Madhukar Darekar, Prithvi quickly made his mark, winning gold at both district and state-level competitions in Mumbai.
When he relocated to Uttarakhand, finding a new coach was a challenge, but his mother’s determination led them to Aman Vohra, India’s Strongest Man. Aman not only coached Prithvi in powerlifting but also became a mentor, guiding him through the intricacies of competitive sports.
Prithvi’s Bengali and Gujarati roots meant food has always been a big part of his life. However, in just nine months of focused training, he lost 13 kilograms, dropping from 76 kg to 63 kg, thanks in part to his grandmother, who created numerous healthy recipes to support his fitness journey.
Beyond powerlifting, Prithvi has a wide range of talents. He’s a skilled baker with dreams of opening a bakery that focuses on fitness-friendly treats. A passionate dancer, he dedicates hours each day to dancing, even after his intense gym sessions. His unique sense of style, including wearing sunglasses at night, and his love for cinema and music reflect his joyful approach to life. Looking ahead, Prithvi has his sights set on competing in the Olympics, determined to push his limits even further.
