Shillong, Dec 5: Meghalaya’s Sajid Nagi has etched his name into the annals of Indian powerlifting history after clinching the Overall Gold Medal in the Masters 3 (60–69 years), 74 kg category at the Asian Powerlifting Championship 2025, held in Istanbul from December 1 to 11.
Competing against seasoned lifters from across the continent, Nagi swept all three events — Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift — to post a total of 417.5 kg and claim the top podium spot.
With this triumph, Nagi becomes the first athlete from Meghalaya to secure an international gold medal in powerlifting, a landmark achievement that underscores the growing presence of strength sports in the state.The Istanbul victory also caps off a remarkable year for the retired Professor of Computer Science, who had earlier represented India at the Asian-African-Pacific Powerlifting Championship in Himeji, Japan.
Held from July 5 to 11, the competition saw him win Overall Silver with a combined lift of 430 kg, including Silver medals in Squat and Deadlift and a Bronze in Bench Press.
His back-to-back successes across two major championships highlight Nagi’s outstanding consistency on the Masters stage — and his ability to balance competitive sport with an illustrious academic career.
A PhD holder and former educator, he continues to defy expectations with his commitment to fitness and discipline. Reflecting on his performance, Nagi said, “Representing Meghalaya and India on the international platform has been a privilege.
Balancing a life in academics with competitive sport has been challenging but deeply rewarding. I hope my achievements encourage others to believe that age and profession are no barriers to pursuing excellence.”
Nagi’s dual achievements this year are expected to provide a major boost to powerlifting in Meghalaya, inspiring a new generation of athletes and strengthening the state’s aspirations in strength-based disciplines.
