Father Takes Loan Against Truck, Fuels Son’s Commonwealth Gold In Canada

UDAIPUR- Mahesh Kumar Beniwal, who studied in Udaipur and hails from Padiyal village in Jodhpur, has brought pride to Rajasthan and India by winning gold in the Junior 120kg powerlifting category at a Commonwealth competition in Canada.

Mahesh’s achievement comes against the backdrop of a major financial struggle faced by his family. His father, a truck driver, took a loan of around Rs 4 lakh against his truck to help fund his son’s participation in the international competition. The family raised around Rs 6 lakh in all, including their savings, to enable Mahesh to travel to Canada and compete.

Mahesh put up a strong performance, recording a 280-kg squat, 172-kg bench press and 300-kg deadlift. His 300-kg deadlift helped him finish at the top of the field among seven competitors. He was the only athlete from Rajasthan competing in the Junior 120kg category.

Mahesh earned his opportunity to compete internationally after participating in a national-level competition in Hyderabad in July. His performance in the Junior 120kg category there led to his selection for the Commonwealth competition in Canada.

His head coach is Gurvinder Singh, a Railways coach based in Ambala. Mahesh began training under him in Delhi in February and continued his preparation through online guidance after returning to Jodhpur.

Alongside powerlifting, Mahesh has continued his education. He is currently pursuing an MA at Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute, where he enrolled last year.

Mahesh has acknowledged the encouragement and support of institute manager Rajendra Bhatt, Kanika Sharma and physical education teacher Neeru Shrimali, who motivated him to continue training and competing despite the financial challenges.

The Commonwealth gold is the latest achievement in Mahesh’s sporting journey, made possible in part by his family’s efforts to fund his international competition, including his father’s decision to take a loan against his truck. (IANS)