From becoming a post graduate in sociology to choosing to play an unconventional sport, powerlifter Nidhi Singh Patel has come a long way. Belonging to Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur, the 26-year-old has won numerous championships at world level in the strength sport of powerlifting. In this sport, a contestant has to make efforts for three forms of lift comprising squat, bench press, and dead-lift in a set sequence. In a candid conversation with Metrolife, the ace powerlifter tells Jayashree Narayanan about her journey, her recent achievements and what keeps her going.
How did you become a powerlifter?
My interest towards powerlifting developed at a very young age, and I am grateful to my coach Kamlapati Tripathi for converting my passion into a valuable profession. It is all due to my coach that I have learnt all the techniques of powerlifting.
With so many other sports around, why particularly power lifting?
Earlier I was into football but gradually my interest started developing towards powerlifting because it increases stability and encourages the body to work efficiently under pressure by lifting maximum weights. Also, it helps to keep our mind and body in perfect balance.
Tell us about your recent achievement.
Few days back, I participated in the 37th Women’s and Men’s World Open Powerlifting Championship, Orlando, Florida, USA, (from November 13 till 19). There, I represented my country and got a special prize for the same.
What were the challenges that you faced?
I am from a poor family and due to lack of fund once I decided to give up my power lifting career. I have requested to the Chief Minister of UP to help me out and he assured, but nothing happened afterward.
So how do you sustain?
Staple food brand Asbah is sponsoring the training kit and has paid all my expenses which were incurred for the 37th Women’s and Men’s World Open Powerlifting Championship. Besides, they have been supporting me in my diet and supplements.
Which has been your most memorable achievement?
Every achievement is memorable. Winning the gold medal in Asian Bench Press Championship 2015 in Oman, bronze medal in Asian Power lifting Championship 2015 in Hong Kong, three gold medals in Commonwealth Power lifting Championship 2011, bronze medal in Asian Bench Press Championship, Taiwan 2011, and a silver medal in Asian Bench Press Championship, Manila, 2010, all are life-long memories.
Power lifting is still not seen as a major sport in India. What do you have to say?
Yes, because the government is not making sound efforts to promote sports other than cricket. But I believe that in future powerlifting will get its due and the required
attention.
Women are achieving a lot in sports. What do you have to say?
It’s a good thing that girls are achieving a lot in sports. If a girl has an ability or interest in sports then she must go for this. Girls can make India pride across the globe through sports.
What is your dream?
To make my country proud, and to do my best in all the upcoming championships.
How did you become a powerlifter?
My interest towards powerlifting developed at a very young age, and I am grateful to my coach Kamlapati Tripathi for converting my passion into a valuable profession. It is all due to my coach that I have learnt all the techniques of powerlifting.
With so many other sports around, why particularly power lifting?
Earlier I was into football but gradually my interest started developing towards powerlifting because it increases stability and encourages the body to work efficiently under pressure by lifting maximum weights. Also, it helps to keep our mind and body in perfect balance.
Tell us about your recent achievement.
Few days back, I participated in the 37th Women’s and Men’s World Open Powerlifting Championship, Orlando, Florida, USA, (from November 13 till 19). There, I represented my country and got a special prize for the same.
What were the challenges that you faced?
I am from a poor family and due to lack of fund once I decided to give up my power lifting career. I have requested to the Chief Minister of UP to help me out and he assured, but nothing happened afterward.
So how do you sustain?
Staple food brand Asbah is sponsoring the training kit and has paid all my expenses which were incurred for the 37th Women’s and Men’s World Open Powerlifting Championship. Besides, they have been supporting me in my diet and supplements.
Which has been your most memorable achievement?
Every achievement is memorable. Winning the gold medal in Asian Bench Press Championship 2015 in Oman, bronze medal in Asian Power lifting Championship 2015 in Hong Kong, three gold medals in Commonwealth Power lifting Championship 2011, bronze medal in Asian Bench Press Championship, Taiwan 2011, and a silver medal in Asian Bench Press Championship, Manila, 2010, all are life-long memories.
Power lifting is still not seen as a major sport in India. What do you have to say?
Yes, because the government is not making sound efforts to promote sports other than cricket. But I believe that in future powerlifting will get its due and the required
attention.
Women are achieving a lot in sports. What do you have to say?
It’s a good thing that girls are achieving a lot in sports. If a girl has an ability or interest in sports then she must go for this. Girls can make India pride across the globe through sports.
What is your dream?
To make my country proud, and to do my best in all the upcoming championships.