Bhubaneswar: Young weightlifting sensation Harshvardhan Sahu of Odisha has become a household name after his stellar performance at the recently concluded Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, a feat that drew special commendation from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address.
The 18-year-old prodigy, trained at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at NIS Patiala, clinched a coveted gold medal in the fiercely contested 49kg weight class.
Shri Sahu’s exceptional strength was on full display as he lifted an impressive 88kg in the snatch and then set a new national youth record of 115kg in the clean and jerk, accumulating a remarkable total of 203kg. This monumental effort shattered the previous record of 202kg, previously held by Jharkhand’s Babulal Hembram.
Prime Minister Shri Modi, in his monthly radio broadcast, highlighted Shri Sahu’s “brilliant performance” alongside those of Maharashtra’s Asmita Dhone and Uttar Pradesh’s Tushar Chaudhary, acknowledging how their achievements “won everyone’s heart.” The Prime Minister lauded the KIYG as a “big hit,” celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and the immense talent showcased by over 5,000 athletes.
Shri Sahu’s triumph at the KIYG follows closely on the heels of another significant international achievement. Just weeks prior, he secured a bronze medal at the World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru, with a total lift of 197kg. This consistent display of excellence underscores his immense potential and bright future in the sport.
Odisha’s weightlifting fraternity is beaming with pride, as Shri Sahu’s gold was complemented by another stellar performance from fellow Odia and Khelo India athlete, Jyoshana Sabar, who also secured gold in the 40kg category.
These back-to-back successes from the state’s lifters indicate a promising trajectory for Indian weightlifting, with Khelo India playing a crucial role in nurturing these budding talents.