Rajasthan's Mahesh Kumar Beniwal wins Commonwealth gold in Junior 120kg powerlifting, Canada
Synopsis
A truck driver from Jodhpur mortgaged his vehicle for ₹4 lakh so his son could compete internationally. That son, Mahesh Kumar Beniwal, just returned from Canada with a Commonwealth gold in Junior 120kg powerlifting — a 300-kg deadlift sealing the win over six rivals. It is the kind of story that reminds you why sport still matters beyond the stadiums.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Kumar Beniwal from Padiyal village, Jodhpur , won the gold medal in the Junior 120kg powerlifting category at the Commonwealth competition in Canada .
His father, a truck driver, took a loan of ₹4 lakh against his truck; the family raised a total of ₹6 lakh to finance the trip.
Mahesh recorded a 280-kg squat , 172-kg bench press , and a decisive 300-kg deadlift , finishing first among seven competitors .
He was the only Rajasthan athlete in his category and secured his international berth after a national meet in Hyderabad in July .
His head coach is Gurvinder Singh , a Railways coach from Ambala ; Mahesh is simultaneously pursuing an MA at Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute , Udaipur.
Mahesh Kumar Beniwal, a powerlifter from Padiyal village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has clinched the gold medal in the Junior 120kg powerlifting category at the Commonwealth competition in Canada, bringing national pride to his state. The achievement is all the more remarkable given that his father, a truck driver, took a loan of approximately ₹4 lakh against his truck to fund the international campaign.
A Family's Sacrifice Behind the Gold
Mahesh's family mobilised around ₹6 lakh in total — combining savings and the loan secured against his father's truck — to cover the costs of travel and participation in Canada. His father's decision to mortgage his primary source of livelihood has since become the defining image of the family's commitment to their son's sporting ambitions. Mahesh was the only athlete from Rajasthan competing in the Junior 120kg category at the event.
The Numbers That Won Gold
On the competition platform, Mahesh delivered a commanding performance across all three lifts. He recorded a 280-kg squat, a 172-kg bench press, and a 300-kg deadlift. His 300-kg deadlift proved decisive, allowing him to finish at the top of a field of seven competitors. The combined total secured his gold medal and confirmed his standing among the continent's finest junior powerlifters.
The Road to Canada: From Hyderabad to the Podium
Mahesh earned his international berth after competing at a national-level meet in Hyderabad in July, where his performance against seven athletes in the same weight class led to his selection for the Commonwealth competition. His preparation has been guided by head coach Gurvinder Singh, a Railways coach based in Ambala. Mahesh began training under Singh in Delhi in February, and continued refining his technique through online coaching after returning to Jodhpur — a testament to the adaptability that has defined his journey.
Education, Support, and the Community Behind Him
Alongside his sporting pursuit, Mahesh is currently pursuing an MA at Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute in Udaipur, where he enrolled last year. He has acknowledged the encouragement of institute manager Rajendra Bhatt, as well as Kanika Sharma and physical education teacher Neeru Shrimali, crediting their support for keeping him motivated through financial hardship. Their backing, combined with his family's sacrifice, underscores the collective effort behind an individual sporting triumph.
With his Commonwealth gold now secured, attention will turn to whether Mahesh can build on this result and pursue further international honours on a larger stage.
Point of View
No federation grant, no Khelo India cheque visible in this account. That a junior athlete had to rely on a truck loan rather than institutional backing to reach a Commonwealth podium points to a structural gap in how India identifies and supports non-Olympic strength sports. The 300-kg deadlift will make headlines; the ₹4 lakh loan should make policymakers uncomfortable.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mahesh Kumar Beniwal?
Mahesh Kumar Beniwal is a junior powerlifter from Padiyal village in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who won the gold medal in the Junior 120kg category at the Commonwealth powerlifting competition in Canada. He studies at Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute in Udaipur, where he is pursuing an MA.
How did Mahesh Kumar Beniwal's family fund his Commonwealth campaign?
His father, a truck driver, took a loan of approximately ₹4 lakh against his truck to help cover the costs. Combined with family savings, the total amount raised was around ₹6 lakh to fund Mahesh's travel and participation in Canada.
What were Mahesh's lifts at the Commonwealth competition?
Mahesh recorded a 280-kg squat, a 172-kg bench press, and a 300-kg deadlift. His 300-kg deadlift was particularly decisive, helping him finish at the top of the seven-competitor field.
How did Mahesh qualify for the Commonwealth competition?
He qualified after competing at a national-level meet in Hyderabad in July 2026, where his performance in the Junior 120kg category earned him selection for the international competition in Canada.
Who is Mahesh Kumar Beniwal's coach?
His head coach is Gurvinder Singh, a Railways coach based in Ambala. Mahesh began training under him in Delhi in February and continued preparation through online coaching after returning to Jodhpur.
