Who is the Young Weightlifting Sensation Praised by PM Modi? Meet Harshvardhan Sahu!

In a recent episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised 16-year-old weightlifter Harshvardhan Sahu from Odisha for his outstanding achievements at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. Harshvardhan set two new national records, lifting a total of 203 kg in the under-18 category. His remarkable performance has inspired many young athletes in the region. With a background in a middle-class family, Harshvardhan's journey from training at the Army Sports Institute to NSNIS highlights his dedication and potential in the sport. Read on to learn more about his achievements and the impact of PM Modi's recognition.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 20:12 IST

Harshvardhan Sahu Shines at Khelo India Youth Games

Berhampur: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended a remarkable 16-year-old weightlifter from Odisha, Harshvardhan Sahu, who recently achieved two national records during the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 held in Bihar.

In his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi expressed admiration for the outstanding performances of young athletes, including Harshvardhan, Asmita Dhone from Maharashtra, and Tushar Chaudhary from Uttar Pradesh.

Harshvardhan, currently training at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala, expressed his astonishment at being mentioned by the Prime Minister. He stated, "I was truly surprised when my name was included in his address alongside other Khelo India participants."

Feeling motivated by Modi's words, he added, "I am grateful for his encouragement and will strive to improve in future competitions."

Hailing from Haradakhandi in Berhampur, Harshvardhan secured a gold medal and set new records in the under-18 category at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games, which took place from May 4 to 15.

In the 49-kg weight class, he lifted 88 kg in the snatch and an impressive 115 kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 203 kg, surpassing the previous record of 202 kg held by Jharkhand's Babulal Hembrom.

Prior to his success at Khelo India, he earned a bronze medal at the World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru, lifting a total of 197 kg (87 kg in snatch and 110 kg in clean and jerk).

Coming from a middle-class background, Harshvardhan's father runs a small business. He initially trained at the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune before moving to NSNIS.

K Ravi Kumar, an Arjuna awardee in weightlifting, remarked that the Prime Minister's acknowledgment of young talents like Harshvardhan would inspire aspiring weightlifters in Odisha.

Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, along with state minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and several Ganjam district MLAs, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for recognizing Harshvardhan in 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Jena, the state's Commerce and Transport minister, stated, "We are extremely thankful to the Prime Minister for mentioning Harshvardhan from Berhampur."

K Anil Kumar, MLA of Berhampur, highlighted the town's legacy of producing celebrated weightlifters who have brought honor to both the state and the nation.