Itanagar, April 28, 2026: Arunachal Pradesh weightlifter Charu Pesi has brought international glory to India and his home state by winning three gold medals at the IBFC Universal Weightlifting Cup held in Apia, Samoa, from April 25 to 30.
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| Charu Pesi, a rising weightlifting star from Arunachal Pradesh. (File Photo) |
Competing in the highly competitive men’s 65 kg category, Pesi delivered a dominant performance to secure gold medals in all three segments of the competition—snatch, clean and jerk, and overall total. The young weightlifter lifted an impressive 127 kg in the snatch and 162 kg in the clean and jerk, finishing at the top of the podium and establishing himself as one of the emerging talents in Indian weightlifting.
A native of Chambang village in Kra Daadi district of Arunachal Pradesh, Pesi was the only athlete from the state to participate in the international tournament. His remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone not only for his personal career but also for the sporting history of Arunachal Pradesh, which continues to produce talented athletes capable of excelling on the global stage.
Pesi’s success is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Prior to his triumph in Samoa, he had won a silver medal at the Senior National Weightlifting Championship, a performance that earned him the opportunity to represent India in international competition.
The young athlete is also a beneficiary of the Chief Minister’s Athlete Coaching and Empowerment Scheme (CM ACES), an initiative launched by the Arunachal Pradesh government to identify, support, and nurture promising sporting talent across the state. Sports officials noted that Pesi’s achievement demonstrates the positive impact of such programmes in helping athletes compete at the highest levels.
Congratulating Pesi on his historic accomplishment, Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the victory as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and the nation. He praised the athlete’s dedication, determination, and commitment to excellence, stating that his success reflects the growing sporting culture in the state.
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“Charu Pesi’s outstanding performance on the international stage is an inspiration for aspiring athletes across Arunachal Pradesh. His achievement shows what can be accomplished through hard work, discipline, and perseverance,” Khandu said.
Sports enthusiasts, coaches, and officials across the state have hailed the triple-gold feat as a landmark achievement. Many believe Pesi’s success will inspire a new generation of athletes and further strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s reputation as a rising force in Indian sports.
His victory in Samoa is not only a testament to his talent and determination but also a symbol of the growing potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth to shine on the international stage.
