Pune: Chintamani and Kadambari Raut, a brother-sister team from Hadapsar, have made India proud by winning gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held in Sun City, South Africa.
Competing against athletes from 97 countries, the duo's remarkable achievements have earned them widespread praise.
Kadambari Raut competed in the women’s sub-junior 69 kg weight category, where she dominated the squat event by lifting 150 kg and winning a gold medal.
She also claimed silver medals in the bench press (lifting 75 kg) and deadlift (lifting 140 kg). Overall, Kadambari took home one gold and three silver medals.
Currently a 12th-grade science student at K.K. Ghule Vidyalaya, Manjri, she credits her success to the guidance of her principal, Sanjay Mohite, and her teacher, Professor Digambar Memane.
Kadambari's victory was particularly notable as she broke the world record previously held by South Africa’s Chante Malder, who had lifted 145 kg. Kadambari’s new world record of 150 kg in the squat event has further established her presence on the international stage.
Her brother, Chintamani Raut, represented India in the 93 kg weight category for special athletes. He won gold by lifting 150 kg in the squat, 70 kg in the bench press, and 180 kg in the deadlift.
Chintamani was supported by his coach T. Bakiraj, along with mentors Medha Somayya, Dr. Bhagwan Talware, Jitendra Dhole, and his father Balasaheb Raut.
The accomplishments of Chintamani and Kadambari Raut have not only brought pride to their family but also to the entire nation.