Finances trip to Kazakhstan himself, bags three gold medals.
Dillip Kumar Pattnaik
KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 22: Financial constraints have failed to come in the way of a young sportsperson from Khordha district, who has scripted an impressive success story on the international stage through determination, hard work and self-belief.
Bibhuti Bhushan Bhanjadeo, a young powerlifter from Haldia village in Khordha , has brought laurels to Odisha and India by winning three gold medals at an international powerlifting championship held in Kazakhstan.
The championship was organised in Karaganda city of Kazakhstan, where more than 350 competitors from around 24 countries reportedly participated. Bibhuti, who was the lone representative from Odisha at the event, competed against athletes from different countries and emerged victorious in three categories.
In the overall powerlifting event, Bibhuti lifted 332.50 kg to secure the first position and win a gold medal. He also clinched gold in the bench press category by lifting 92.5 kg. In the strict curl event, he lifted 50 kg to finish first and secure his third gold medal.
What makes his achievement particularly significant is that Bibhuti travelled to Kazakhstan at his own expense to participate in the international championship. Without waiting for government, corporate or private financial assistance, he bore the expenses of his overseas participation and competed on the international platform on his own initiative.
His journey from a small village in Khordha to an international sporting arena reflects the determination of a young athlete who has continued to pursue his sporting ambitions despite financial limitations. His achievement has generated considerable enthusiasm among sports lovers in Khordha district and is being seen as an inspiration for other young athletes in Odisha.
Bibhuti’s international success, however, may only be the beginning of another significant chapter in his sporting career. He has reportedly been selected to represent India at the 2026 World Armwrestling Championship, to be held in Japan from September 22 to 28. His selection has been made through the Indian armwrestling governing body for participation in the championship organised by the International Armwrestling Federation.
His back-to-back international engagements underline his growing presence in strength sports. Having already demonstrated his ability to compete successfully against international athletes in powerlifting, Bibhuti is now preparing for another opportunity to represent the country on the world stage.
Sports enthusiasts in Khordha have hailed his achievement, saying that his success has brought recognition to Haldia village, Khordha district and Odisha. They expressed hope that his journey would encourage more young people from rural areas to take up sports and pursue their ambitions despite financial and other challenges.
For Bibhuti, the three gold medals in Kazakhstan represent not merely sporting victories but also the outcome of years of dedication and personal sacrifice. His decision to finance his own international trip has added another dimension to an achievement that has already put the young athlete from Khordha in the spotlight.
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