The 27-year-old labourer from Khapoli in the Raigarh district of Maharashtra participated in the Master One 120 kg category of the competition in South Africa
Team Clarion
KHAPOLI – Nasir Syed, a 27-year-old labourer from Khapoli in the Raigarh district of Maharashtra, has brought pride to India by winning gold medal in the “Asia Pacific Powerlifting” competition held in South Africa.
Competing in the Master One 120 kg category, Nasir not only won a gold medal but also secured his position in the upcoming Olympic competition.
Nasir’s journey to this achievement is remarkable. Despite his passion for exercise and weightlifting, a labourer by profession, Nasir practiced without standard equipment and coaching. He started participating in competitions only in 2023, driven by his enthusiasm, passion, and abilities. He quickly progressed, winning powerlifting competitions at taluka, district, state, and national levels, and now he has made the country proud by excelling at the international stage.
When contacted for a special conversation from South Africa, Nasir shared his inspiring story. “I have been fond of going to the gym, working out, and weightlifting since my student days. My father worked as a mason and it was very difficult for him to bring up my seven siblings. Due to financial problems, I dropped out after 10th grade and worked as a helper in a water filter company for very low wages,” Nasir said. “I am obsessed with exercise and weightlifting, so I never miss going to the gym, even without quality equipment and coaching.”
Nasir recounted his early struggles: “The conditions at home were very poor, but I somehow found time after returning from work to practice weightlifting in the village style. Until the age of 25, I continued to go to the gym but never competed in a powerlifting championship. Later, time passed and circumstances changed, and I got the idea of participating in the championship. I worked for it like a madman.”
He won the National Level Championship in Bangalore, which led to his selection by the Indian Powerlifting Association for the Asian World Championship in South Africa. “With only two months between each competition, I practiced weightlifting intensely, and thank God, I have now achieved success in South Africa as well,” he said. In the competition, a player from South Africa secured third place, a player from China secured second place, and Nasir secured first place.
Nasir’s message to the youth and people of all ages is inspiring: “If you have the passion and courage to do something, you should try in your respective fields. Do not waste your time and health on mobile and other frivolities. I believe that when you wake up, there is still time to adopt good habits and activities. After winning competitions in bodybuilding, weightlifting, and other sports, career opportunities in government jobs will also be available.”
Nasir Syed’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. His success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes across the country.
