Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Vimlesh Lal has made headlines by winning four medals at the World Powerlifting Championship held in South Africa from November 4 to 9. Representing Team Australia, Lal achieved remarkable success across multiple categories, clinching first place in the 140kg Raw Open Division, first place in the 125kg Single Ply Division, and first place in the Deadlift only category. Additionally, he secured a second-place finish in the 125kg Bench Only Division.
At just 27 years old, Lal’s journey to this historic achievement is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Growing up in a small sugarcane farming community in Navau, Ba, Fiji, he never envisioned reaching such heights in powerlifting. His dedication and hard work propelled him into the spotlight, showcasing that dreams can indeed become a reality with perseverance.
Lal’s path to powerlifting began relatively recently; he made his debut for Australia in Chicago last year after moving to the country. Originally focused on his career in mechanical engineering, he owns an engineering firm called Pasifika Renewables Consultant and has skillfully balanced work commitments with rigorous training as he pursued his passion for powerlifting.
Reflecting on his journey, 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.” It was the encouragement of his coach, Big Jack, and his teammates at Fortitude Barbell that motivated him to test his strength in competitions.
Leading up to the World Powerlifting Championship, Lal faced the dual challenge of intense training and professional life, often sacrificing late nights and early mornings to give his best in both arenas. He qualified for the competition following his performance under the CAPO federation in Australia, where consistent lifts helped secure him a spot on Team Australia.
Setting high goals for the championship, he aimed for gold in his equipped category and to establish a new national record, both of which he joyfully achieved. “Standing on that podium made it all real,” he remarked.
The emotional foundation of Lal’s journey is rooted in his family, particularly his father, who suffered a serious injury last year. Dedicating each lift to his father, Lal expressed the driving force behind his relentless work ethic. “He’s the reason I work so hard, and I wanted to make him proud,” Lal noted, also acknowledging the support of his partner, Keisha, who has been instrumental in keeping him focused during trying times.
For aspiring young powerlifters in Fiji, Lal’s message is one of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, staying humble, and recognizing the power of consistency in the pursuit of goals. Dedicating his wins to his family and his roots in Fiji, Lal’s accomplishments embody a narrative of hope and possibility, inspiring future generations to dream and achieve beyond the confines of their circumstances.