Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Vimlesh Lal made history in South Africa by winning four medals for Team Australia in the World Powerlifting Championship.
The competition, which took place from November 4-9, was a significant moment for Lal as he secured impressive victories in various categories.
He clinched the 1st place in the 140kg Raw Open Division World Championship, 1st place in the 125kg Single Ply Division World Championship, 1st place in the 125kg Deadlift only category, and 2nd place in the 125kg Bench Only Division.
Originally from a small sugarcane farming community in Ba (Navau), the 27-year-old Lal never imagined achieving such a feat. Through dedication and hard work, he proved that nothing is impossible.
Lal made his debut for Australia in Chicago last year and only started seriously pursuing powerlifting after moving from Fiji to Australia.
Currently residing in Brisbane, Australia, he works in the mechanical field, owns an engineering firm called Pasifika Renewables Consultant, and continues to pursue his passion for powerlifting.
When asked about his journey into powerlifting and who introduced him to the sport, Lal mentioned.
“I took up powerlifting seriously around mid-2023. Before that, I’d always been into training and strength work, but I never thought I’d compete,” said Lal.
“It was actually my coach (Big Jack) and a few teammates at the gym (Fortitude Barbell) who encouraged me to give equipped lifting a try.
“The idea of testing my strength on the platform, under pressure, really appealed to me and once I started, I never looked back.”
Leading up to the World Powerlifting Championship, Lal faced rigorous training sessions while balancing work commitments.
“Training leading up to Worlds was one of the toughest but most rewarding phases of my life.
“I was balancing work and training, often late nights and early mornings, just trying to give my best every session.
“I qualified after competing nationally under the CAPO federation here in Australia — my total lifts and consistency earned me a spot on Team Australia to represent at the World Championships in South Africa.”
Setting goals for the competition, Lal aimed to win gold in his equipped category and set a new national record.
Proudly, he achieved both objectives and stood on the podium, satisfied with his performance.
“My main aim was to win gold in my equipped category and to set a new national record and I’m proud to say I achieved both.
“I also wanted to prove to myself that all the sacrifices were worth it, and standing on that podium made it all real.”
Throughout his journey, Lal drew motivation from his family, particularly his father who had suffered a serious injury the year before. He dedicated each lift to his father, aiming to make him proud.
“My biggest motivation came from my family — especially my dad, who was seriously injured last year. I dedicated every lift to him.
“He’s the reason I work so hard, and I wanted to make him proud. Also, my coach Jack and my partner Keisha kept pushing me mentally when things got hard.”
For young aspiring powerlifters in Fiji, Lal shared a message of encouragement, urging them to believe in themselves and work diligently to achieve their goals.
He emphasised the power of consistency, humility, and self-belief in reaching one’s full potential.
In dedicating his gold medals, Lal expressed gratitude to his family, coach, partner, and everyone back home in Fiji.
Varun Vimlesh Lal . Picture: Supplied
