AI Generated Summary
- Ludhiana’s sporting history carries many proud chapters, but few are as enduring as the story of Parvesh Chander Sharma — a man whose journey from a promising teenager with a barbell to an international medallist and now a devoted mentor reflects a lifetime committed to weightlifting.
- At the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, he clinched two gold medals in the clean and jerk and a silver medal in the men’s featherweight category — a rare and remarkable haul.
- From hoisting trophies on international podiums to guiding young lifters in a modest training hall, his journey stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the lasting influence of a true sportsman.
Ludhiana’s sporting history carries many proud chapters, but few are as enduring as the story of Parvesh Chander Sharma — a man whose journey from a promising teenager with a barbell to an international medallist and now a devoted mentor reflects a lifetime committed to weightlifting.
Parvesh first stepped into the world of strength sports in 1978, and within a year he was already making waves. In his debut competition, his impressive lifts — including a 130 kg squat and a 107 kg bench press — announced the arrival of a formidable talent. The same year, he emerged as the state champion in Patiala, setting the tone for what would become more than a decade of dominance on the national and international stage.
His rise was swift and consistent. Representing Panjab University, Chandigarh, at the All-India Inter-Universities Weightlifting Championship in Meerut in 1979, Parvesh delivered a championship-winning performance. A year later, at the Junior National Championship in Jabalpur, he once again stood atop the podium, drawing attention from selectors and sports administrators alike. These achievements earned him a position in the Indian Railways, where he later served for 38 years before retiring as Chief Inspector Ticket In-charge (CIT-Line).
The pinnacle of Parvesh’s competitive career came in the early 1990s. At the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, he clinched two gold medals in the clean and jerk and a silver medal in the men’s featherweight category — a rare and remarkable haul. The same year, he set a new national record of 153 kg in the clean and jerk at the Senior National Championship in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Three years later, he added another glittering achievement by winning gold in the 60 kg category at the World Youth Weightlifting Championship in Iran.
Between 1981 and 1993, Parvesh dominated the domestic circuit, retaining the national champion’s crown for seven consecutive years and competing successfully across multiple weight categories. His contribution to Punjab’s sporting legacy was recognised in 1985 when he received the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, the state’s highest honour for sports excellence. He was also named the best sportsperson of the Railways in 1991.
A disc problem eventually forced Parvesh to step away from competitive lifting, but it did not dampen his spirit. Instead of retreating from the sport, he redirected his energy toward nurturing the next generation. Today, he trains young athletes at the Ludhiana Bodybuilding and Weightlifting Club at Rakh Bagh, opposite Guru Nanak Stadium, working alongside other sports enthusiasts to keep the city’s weightlifting tradition alive.
As general secretary of the Ludhiana District Weightlifting Association, Parvesh has made accessibility a priority. Youngsters can train at the centre for a nominal fee of Rs 500 for six months, a move aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do not hold back talent. At the same time, he has been advocating strongly for improved infrastructure. Recently, he led a delegation to Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, seeking modern equipment and urgent renovation of the Rakh Bagh facility, which has suffered from leaking roofs and damaged flooring.
“The centre was set up in 1987, but over the years the condition has deteriorated. These issues make training risky for athletes. The administration has assured us of support, and we are hopeful that work will begin soon,” Parvesh said.
More than three decades into his role as a coach and mentor, Parvesh’s impact is evident. Over 24 of his trainees have competed at the national level, with several securing jobs in organisations such as the Railways, Punjab Police, the Punjab Sports Department and other public sector undertakings. Many of his former students have gone on to become role models in their own right, inspiring others to take up the sport.
Parvesh Chander Sharma’s story is not just about medals and records; it is about continuity — passing on knowledge, discipline and belief from one generation to the next. From hoisting trophies on international podiums to guiding young lifters in a modest training hall, his journey stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the lasting influence of a true sportsman.
