Sneha Gharami: Rising Star in Powerlifting Set to Represent India at Commonwealth Championship

Sneha Gharami's journey from helping her father as a fruit vendor to becoming a powerlifting champion is truly inspiring. Selected to represent India at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2026, she has set national records and won multiple medals. Despite financial challenges, her determination and the support of her family and university have propelled her forward. Read on to learn more about her achievements and aspirations as she prepares for the championship in Canada.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 12:20 IST

A Journey of Perseverance and Achievement

Sneha Gharami's inspiring journey from assisting her father, a fruit vendor in West Bengal, to securing a spot on the Indian team for the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2026 is a testament to her resilience and dedication.

Currently a second-year BA student at CT University, Sneha has been chosen to compete in the Junior 76 kg category at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship, scheduled to take place in Winnipeg, Canada, from September 17 to 27.

As a sports scholar at CT University, she recently set a new national record in squats. During the National Equipped Powerlifting Championship held in Hyderabad in June, she lifted an impressive 222.5 kg in squats, breaking her own previous record of 212.5 kg established in the sub-junior category in 2024.

In addition to her record-breaking lift, she earned two gold medals in squats and deadlifts, along with a silver medal in bench press at the championship.

With a total lift of approximately 550 kg across squat, bench press, and deadlift events, Sneha is quickly becoming one of India's prominent powerlifting talents.

Training in West Bengal, the Howrah native expressed gratitude for the sports scholarship from CT University, which supports her boarding, lodging, diet, and tuition, enabling her to chase her dreams despite financial hurdles.

"My father, Uttam Gharami, sells fruits, and my mother, Smriti, is a homemaker. They have made numerous sacrifices for my success, including my mother pledging her jewelry to fund my training. I aspire to make them proud and improve our family's financial situation," she shared.

Despite the challenges of affording specialized equipment and competition gear, often purchased in installments, Sneha continues to receive support from her family, coaches, local supporters, and the broader sporting community.

Her accolades include three gold medals at the Asian Equipped Powerlifting Championships in Kerala (2023) and Dehradun (2025), overall gold at the National Equipped Powerlifting Championship in Punjab (2024), and overall gold at the Federation Cup Powerlifting Championship in Delhi (2024).

Dr. Manbir Singh, Managing Director of CT Group and Pro-Chancellor of CT University, congratulated Sneha, stating that her selection for the Commonwealth Championship is a significant honor for the university and a reflection of her hard work and excellence.