Shillong, July 18: In a landmark achievement for Meghalaya sports, Sajid Nagi has become the first athlete from the state to win an international medal in powerlifting.
Representing India in the 74kg Masters 3 category (ages 60–69), Nagi clinched three medals at the Asian African Pacific Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Himeji, Japan, from July 6 to 13, 2025.
Competing against top contenders from across the region, Nagi secured a Bronze in Squat and Bench Press, and a Silver in Deadlift, which earned him the Silver overall in his category.
This historic feat not only placed him on the international podium but also marked Meghalaya’s arrival on the global powerlifting map.
Currently the national gold medallist in his category, Nagi’s international success reflects both sporting excellence and academic brilliance.
A retired professor of Computer Science from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, and a Ph.D. holder, his transition from academia to competitive powerlifting is a story of resilience, discipline, and undying passion for fitness—proving that age is no barrier to achievement.
Dedicating his medals to the youth of Meghalaya, Nagi urged young athletes to pursue fitness and sports with dedication and to dream of representing India on the world stage.His achievement is expected to inspire budding athletes across the Northeast, opening new possibilities for powerlifting and other strength-based sports in the region.
