Who is Raja Muthupandi: Brother left his dream, father worked as a laborer… then Raja Muthupandi created history in CWG 2026

New Delhi: Some stories are not limited to just victory and defeat, but become examples of struggles that inspire millions of people. The story of Indian weightlifter Raja Muthupandi is also similar. Raja, who came from an ordinary family in Tamil Nadu and reached the podium of the Commonwealth Games 2026, not only won the silver medal but also proved that difficult circumstances cannot stand in front of big dreams.

Won silver medal in Commonwealth Games 2026

Raja Muthupandi performed brilliantly in the men’s 65 kg weightlifting event of the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. He won the silver medal by lifting a total weight of 286 kg with 126 kg snatch and 160 kg clean and jerk.

In this match, Muhammad Ajnil Bin Bidin of Malaysia won the gold medal with a lift of 299 kg, while Moria Baru of Papua New Guinea won the bronze medal by lifting a weight of 282 kg.

Raja is the son of a father who worked as a laborer in a match factory.

Born on 12 January 2000 in Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, Raja Muthupandi’s childhood was spent in financial crisis. His father works as a daily wage laborer in a match factory, while his mother works as a sweeper in a sweet shop. The financial condition of the family was very weak and sometimes even getting two meals a day became a challenge.

Brother left the game, Raja fulfilled his dream

Raja’s elder brother was the first to start weightlifting. The king also started practicing with him. But due to financial responsibilities of the house, the elder brother had to leave his game.

The brother took up the responsibility of the family and sacrificed his dreams, while Raja resolved to pursue the same dream.

Got recognition at the age of 18, then injuries increased the problems

Raja’s talent soon came to the fore. In the year 2017, he made his mark by winning medals in the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Championships. After this, he represented India in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and finished sixth.

However, after this a long period of difficulties began in his career. Between 2019 and 2025, he had to undergo three major surgeries. First there was an injury to the ligament of the elbow of the left hand, then there was an appendix operation. During this period, he also suffered from dengue twice and jaundice once. During his return to the national championship, he suffered a left knee ligament tear, which required another operation.

At one time I even felt like quitting the game.

Due to continuous injuries, financial problems and long rehabilitation, King also became mentally disturbed. After getting a job in Indian Railways, he had decided to leave sports and make a new career.

With this very purpose, he came to Bhubaneswar to do a strength and conditioning course, but after seeing the players practicing there, the player within him awakened again. The encouragement of his coach and teammates inspired him to return to the world of weightlifting.

Great comeback under the supervision of coach Vijay Sharma

Raja made a new beginning in his career under the guidance of national coach Vijay Sharma. He made a strong comeback by winning a silver medal at the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

After this he achieved ninth place in the World Championship. Created a national record by lifting 302 kg total weight at the Senior National Championships in February 2026 and secured his place for the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Years’ dream fulfilled in Glasgow

Raja Muthupandi made the country proud by winning the biggest international medal of his career at the Commonwealth Games 2026.

After winning the medal, he emotionally said that this success is dedicated to his parents and coach Vijay Sharma. According to him, the family kept his dreams alive by sacrificing their own needs and the coach kept his faith in him through all the difficult times.

Raja Muthupandi’s story is not limited to just one silver medal. This is such an example of struggle, family sacrifice, self-confidence and continuous hard work, which will continue to inspire the coming generations for a long time.

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