Rajgir: Maharashtra’s Pooja Thepekar clinched the bronze medal in the 49 kg weightlifting category at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. Significantly, this is the first medal of her life.
The 15-year-old weightlifter hails from a small village called Pusad in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. Pooja said, “This is the first medal of my life. Earlier, I had only participated in school-level state and national weightlifting competitions, but I never managed to win a medal. This is also my first time competing in the Khelo India Youth Games, and winning a medal on my very first attempt makes me extremely happy.”
She further said, “My father works at a furniture shop and our financial condition isn’t good. But my school’s physical education teacher, Roshan Deshmukh Sir, recognised my talent and began training me when I was just 12 years old.”
Pooja’s coach, Roshan Deshmukh, is a physical education teacher at Gunwatrao Deshmukh School in Yavatmal. He noticed her participating in various school competitions and, recognising her potential, started coaching her.
Reaching the platform of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 wasn’t easy for Pooja. She had to overcome numerous challenges such as financial hardship, lack of professional training, facilities, and proper equipment.
Speaking to SAI Media, Pooja said, “The support and belief of my coach meant everything to me. He bore all the expenses of my training and supported me financially in every possible way. Whatever I’ve achieved today is all because of him.”
Earlier this year, Thepekar took part in the Khelo India trial camp held at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. From there, she was selected to compete in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, currently underway in Bihar.
In the 49 kg category, she lifted 60 kg in the snatch and 72 kg in the clean and jerk, registering a total lift of 132 kg to secure the bronze medal.
Pooja appreciated the Khelo India initiative and said, “I am grateful to the Khelo India Youth Games platform, which gave me a chance to compete against experienced athletes. I am inspired by them and will try to perform even better next time.”
She added, “I had never imagined that such games are organised at such a grand level. Everyone here is very professional, and the facilities are excellent.”
Pooja’s journey is an inspiration for all young athletes who come from economically weaker backgrounds. Her achievement proves that with hard work, determination, and the right support, anything is possible.
