Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Vimlesh Lal has garnered significant attention after winning four medals at the World Powerlifting Championship held in South Africa from November 4 to 9. Competing for Team Australia, Lal achieved exceptional victories in multiple categories, securing first place in the 140kg Raw Open Division, first in the 125kg Single Ply Division, and first in the Deadlift only category. He also claimed a commendable second place in the 125kg Bench Only Division.
At just 27 years old, Lal’s journey to this remarkable success is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from a small sugarcane farming community in Navau, Ba, Fiji, he had never imagined reaching such heights in the world of powerlifting. His dedication and unwavering hard work have propelled him to this pinnacle of achievement, proving that dreams can become a reality through perseverance.
Lal’s foray into powerlifting began relatively recently; he made his debut for Australia in Chicago last year after relocating to the country. Originally pursuing a career in mechanical engineering, he owns Pasifika Renewables Consultant, an engineering firm. Despite his professional commitments, he has successfully balanced rigorous training with his work, fueling his passion for powerlifting.
Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Lal shared, “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.” His entry into competitive powerlifting was significantly influenced by his coach, Big Jack, and the encouragement of his teammates at Fortitude Barbell, who inspired him to test his strength on the competition stage.
Leading up to the World Powerlifting Championship, Lal faced the challenge of intense training alongside his professional life, often sacrificing late nights and early mornings to maintain his performance in both realms. His qualification for the competition came after a strong showing in the CAPO federation in Australia, where consistent lifts ensured him a spot on Team Australia.
With ambitious goals in mind for the championship, Lal sought gold in his equipped category and aimed to set a new national record—both of which he triumphantly achieved. “Standing on that podium made it all real,” he remarked, reflecting on the pride of his accomplishments.
Lal’s journey is deeply motivated by his family, particularly his father, who endured a serious injury last year. Each lift was dedicated to his father, illustrating the driving force behind his relentless work ethic. “He’s the reason I work so hard, and I wanted to make him proud,” Lal expressed, also crediting the unwavering support of his partner, Keisha, who has kept him focused during challenging times.
For young aspiring powerlifters in Fiji, Lal’s journey serves as a beacon of hope. He encourages them to believe in themselves, remain humble, and understand the power of consistency in achieving their goals. By dedicating his victories to his family and heritage, Lal’s achievements resonate as a blend of hope and possibility, motivating future generations to dream big and overcome the limitations of their circumstances.