Pardeep Joon, Sahista shine in powerlifting with gold medals in Khelo India Para Games

“I was working in a farm when I got injured which resulted in nerve damage. Due to not being able to get proper treatment, my leg had to be amputated. I was depressed for six months after my injury,” Pradeep said.

However, Pardeep’s family and friend Jaideep supported him in the difficult times.

Jaideep introduced him to powerlifting and trained him, motivating the 31-year-old to come out of his depression and gain recognition in sports.

Other than Pardeep, Delhi’s Sahista also shone bright on the concluding day of the powerlifting competition as she converted her last edition’s silver medal to gold this year by lifting 81 kg in the 79 kg category.

When she was a child, an injection caused infection which led to a permanent damage to her knee.

Speaking about her shift to sports, the 25-year-old Sahista said, “Over time, I accepted it. I initially wanted to build biceps, but discovered para powerlifting, which became my goal. After winning gold at the Nationals in Greater Noida, securing gold at Khelo India feels like a big point in my journey. Now, I am aiming to become a Paralympian.”

The men’s 107 kg saw Maharashtra’s Dinesh Bagade, who had won a bronze in the last edition, bag the gold medal after lifting 157 kg.