- Patel has bagged 16 district-level, 18 state-level and 12 national-level medals
- With this international feat, he now plans to guide young athletes and explore competitive bodybuilding
- Patel’s accomplishment stands out all the more because it was achieved while following a pure vegetarian diet
NE SPORTS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAY 31
Fifty-six-year-old powerlifter Lalitbhai Patel from Ahmedabad has brought laurels to the nation in general and Gujarat in particular by clinching three gold medals in the Master Two category (83-93kg), for men above 49-years, at the prestigious IBBF World Powerlifting Championship held in Thailand, from May 10 to 12, said Rajnikant Parmar, his coach here on Saturday.
Competing in the Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift events, Patel topped the podium and lifted a total of 405 kilograms, marking a significant milestone not only for himself but also for the entire Gujarati community, as he became the first Gujarati to win this honor at an international powerlifting event of this stature, added Parmar.
Eligibility for participating at this global level under the IBFF (International Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation) is no small feat. Athletes must first become a District Champion, be crowned State Champion at least five times, and win a minimum of three gold or three silver medals at the national level.
Over the years, has fulfilled and surpassed all these criteria through years of perseverance, making his recent victory even more commendable. Patel has bagged 16 district-level, 18 state-level and 12 national-level medals. With this international feat, he now plans to guide young athletes and explore competitive bodybuilding.
Notably, Patel’s accomplishment stands out all the more because it was achieved while following a pure vegetarian diet—a testament to his discipline and a shining example that strength and stamina are not limited by dietary choices.
Speaking on this achievement, Patel said, “Representing India on the global stage has been the proudest moment of my life. My victories are not just personal wins, but proof that with determination and values, anything is possible—even at the age of 56. I am indebted to my coach and mentor in honing my skills under strict regimen and help realise my goals.”
Answering a query on his preparations for the global event, Patel said, “I have been training intensively for the past eight months with 90 minutes duration in the morning and evening. I was initiated into powerlifting five years ago. Earlier, I was into bodybuilding.
His mentor Rajnikant Parmar, who has been instrumental in guiding him to this success, added, “Lalitbhai’s focus and commitment are rare. Training a vegetarian athlete to reach world-class levels defies many stereotypes and proves that true strength lies in the mind and heart. His consistency over the years has set a new benchmark for upcoming lifters. Patel continues to train rigorously at a century-old gymnasium under my guidance. His journey is a testament to his grit, determination, and dedication.”
