Hisar's Lakshay Kundu Creates History with World Bench Press Gold by Lifting 182.5kg

Lakshay Kundu, a powerlifter from Hisar's Khairi village, has scripted history by winning India's first-ever gold medal at the World Bench Press Championship 2025 held in Drammen, Norway.

The young athlete delivered an outstanding performance between May 18-24, competing against top powerlifters from around the world. His remarkable journey to the top included three exceptional lifts that showcased his incredible strength and determination.

In his first attempt, Lakshay successfully lifted 170 kilograms, setting the stage for what would become a record-breaking performance. His second attempt saw him lift 177.5 kilograms, surpassing the previous Asian record of 176 kilograms. The third and final attempt proved to be the most spectacular as he lifted 182.5 kilograms, establishing new Asian and Commonwealth records simultaneously. 

This achievement not only secured him the gold medal but also placed India at the top position in the World Bench Press Championship rankings for the first time in history.  

"This medal doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to my country, my coach Rajesh Duhan, and my parents who guided me at every step and convinced me that I could achieve this," said an emotional Lakshya after his victory. 

The champion has been training at Spartan Power Lifting Academy located at Fawwara Chowk in Hisar for the past two years under the guidance of renowned coach Rajesh Duhan. The academy has produced several national and international level athletes under Duhan's expert supervision.

Lakshay comes from a disciplined family background. His father, Rajesh Kumar, is a retired Indian Army officer, while his mother, Nirmal Devi, is a dedicated homemaker. "My father's discipline and my mother's love are my greatest strengths. They never taught me to give up," Lakshay shared, crediting his family's support for his success. 

This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian powerlifting and demonstrates the potential of athletes from smaller cities when provided with proper training and support.