Powerlifting, as a discipline, continues to gain popularity among both amateurs and professionals due to its universality and the ability to compete in various weight categories. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest towards sports competitions among people with limited abilities, which is supported by the efforts of international and national organizations promoting inclusivity. In this context, the story of a young athlete from the village of Lancaput in the Koraput district, Odisha state, serves as a shining example of how perseverance and community support can turn personal hardships into a source of inspiration for a wide audience.
Surentra Muduli, residing in the village of Lancaput, was born with an amputated leg and severely limited hand function. Despite these physical barriers, he continues to visit the gym every week, with his daily training schedule from 16:00 to 18:00 demonstrating his determination and discipline. His workouts consist of a wide range of exercises: from dips for biceps and triceps to complex chest and leg routines. This shows that, despite limitations, it is possible to maintain a full‑fledged sports regimen with the right motivation and support.
Surentra also actively teaches local young people, sharing his training methods and techniques. This strengthens the bond between the sporting community and the village, as well as expanding opportunities for other residents. His aspiration to participate in district and national powerlifting competitions highlights not only personal ambitions but also a desire to bring honor to his region and country.
Key events during this period
Surentra Muduli began attending the gym at the age of 19, after his mother told him about the amputation of his leg in early childhood. This event marked a turning point when he decided to overcome physical limitations through sport. He trains daily in the gym from 16:00 to 18:00, which has become his routine and symbol of determination. During training, he performs a variety of exercises, including dips, bench presses and squats, adapted to his physical capabilities, demonstrating his ability to find solutions even under adverse conditions.
Over the past six months, Surentra has been actively preparing for powerlifting competitions, attending training camps and masterclasses. He also organizes group training sessions for youth in his village, helping to spread sports culture and attracting media attention. In one of his interviews, he said: ‘I come to the gym from 16:00 to 18:00. I saw others doing it, which inspired me to become stronger.’
Many of his friends in the gym note his example as a source of motivation. One of them said: ‘He inspires us because he has only one leg and almost no functioning hand, but still trains and maintains his fitness.’ This shows that his example has an impact on the psychology and motivation of those around him, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement.
One of the key facts is that Surentra travels 9 kilometers every day to get to the gym. This demonstrates his willingness to overcome difficulties for the sake of achieving his goal and shows a strong bond with the local community. Many of his peers believe that, with government support, he could qualify for Olympic games for blind athletes and bring attention to the region.
Recent discussions in society have raised questions about potential state support that Surentra may receive for participating in competitions. One of his friends said: ‘If he receives help from the government, he will certainly bring honor to the state and country.’ This opens up prospects for official recognition and funding, as well as the development of infrastructure for people with limited abilities.