NEW DELHI: In 2009,
Gadadhar Sahu
faced a life-altering incident that left him on the brink of death. While traveling from Odisha to Surat, Gujarat, he met with a severe accident during train deboarding, leading to a misdiagnosis of his demise. Only upon being transported to the morgue did the medical team discover his pulse, albeit with grave injuries requiring leg amputation.
At the tender age of 13, Sahu's life took an unexpected turn.
Now, 29-year-old Gadadhar Sahu has defied adversity to secure a gold medal for Odisha in powerlifting during the
Khelo India Para Games
. Competing in the 58kg category, Sahu showcased remarkable strength, lifting an impressive 140kg.
Following the tragic accident, Sahu, driven by determination and resilience, refused to succumb to despair. Conventional doors to a typical life were shut, compelling him to assist his brother in running a fast-food kiosk in his hometown of Narendrapur, located in the
Ganjam District
of Odisha. It was through the pursuit of bodybuilding as a hobby that he found solace and a renewed sense of identity.
In 2016, Sahu achieved his initial triumph with a gold medal in the wheelchair category of the 'Mr. Odisha Junior Bodybuilding Competition.' However, financial constraints related to necessary supplements and nutrition prompted him to transition to the discipline of para powerlifting.
Inspired by para-athletes featured in newspapers, Sahu acknowledged the challenges but possessed unwavering belief and motivation. Leveraging his background in bodybuilding, he seamlessly adapted to para powerlifting, remaining focused on his goals.
Reflecting on his journey leading to the gold medal at the
Khelo India
Para Games, Sahu shared, "I have been training very hard to be the best version of myself. I have been training for two hours in the day and two hours in the evening every day, while helping my brother in his business as well."
Acknowledging the scarcity of facilities in his hometown, Sahu expressed gratitude for the Government of Odisha's support. A ten-day training camp at the Kalinga Stadium ahead of the Khelo India Para Games significantly contributed to his preparation.
(With ANI inputs)
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