Khelo India Para Games 2023: Odisha’s Gadadhar Sahu secures gold in powerlifting

Odisha registered another success at the ongoing inaugural edition of the Khelo Indian Para Games 2023 in Delhi as Gadadhar Sahu won gold in the Para Lifting category, lifting 140 kg in the 58 kg category. 

Gadadhar finished ahead of Joby Mathew of Kerala (137 kg) who won silver, and Gulfam Ahmed of Delhi who registered a bronze with a lift of 134kg. 

Speaking on the day’s success, Gadadhar Sahu extended his gratitude to the government of Odisha for supporting and encouraging him while reiterating his pride on winning a gold medal for the State. 

“I am delighted to have won a gold medal for Odisha at the first Khelo India Para Games, it is a proud day for me. As preparation for the competition, we were invited for a camp at the Kalinga Stadium and it has given us an opportunity to shine”, he said. 

Gadadhar’s victory marks Odisha’s 10th medal in the Khelo India Para Games 2023, including six gold medals, one silver medal and three bronze medals. The Odisha contingent is competing in three disciplines – Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics and Para Badminton.