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Shubham Chaudhary Joins the Big League: New Vice President of India Para Powerlifting (Paralympic Committee of India)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 13:27 GMT by ThePrint
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Shubham Chaudhary Named Vice‑President of India’s Para‑Powerlifting Paralympic Committee

The Indian Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced a fresh appointment in its leadership ranks, installing former national champion Shubham Chaudhary as the new Vice‑President of the India Para‑Powerlifting Paralympic Committee. Chaudhary, a seasoned athlete and long‑time advocate for disabled sports, steps into the role at a pivotal time when India is ramping up its participation and performance in international para‑powerlifting events. The decision, disclosed by the IPC’s press office on 4 October 2024, is part of a broader strategy to inject experienced leadership into the governance of para‑sports and to bridge gaps in athlete development, training infrastructure and international competitiveness.

A Brief Profile of Shubham Chaudhary

Chaudhary, 32, hails from Chandigarh and has been a dominant force in India’s para‑powerlifting circuit for over a decade. He first came onto the national scene in 2012, when he secured a gold medal at the National Para‑Powerlifting Championships in Jaipur. Since then, he has represented India at three consecutive Asian Para Games (2014, 2018, 2022) and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where he finished in the top six in the men’s 54 kg category. His personal best of 170 kg in the bench‑press—an impressive record for his weight class—still stands as the national record.

Beyond competition, Chaudhary has served as the President of the Chandigarh Para‑Sports Club, a member of the Technical Committee of the Indian Powerlifting Federation, and has worked closely with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on inclusive training programmes. “I have spent my life trying to make powerlifting accessible for everyone, regardless of their physical condition,” he told the press. “Taking on this role will allow me to push for systemic changes that go beyond the individual athlete.”

The Significance of the Appointment

Para‑powerlifting, like many para‑sports, suffers from limited visibility, funding gaps and uneven access to world‑class coaching. With the 2024 Paris Paralympics just a few months away, the IPC’s new leadership structure aims to ensure that Indian athletes receive optimal support in the final stretch.

“Shubham’s appointment is a strategic move that signals the IPC’s commitment to nurturing talent through robust governance,” said Dr. Anurag Singh, President of the IPC India. “His on‑ground experience, combined with his technical knowledge, will help us design training regimens that meet international standards.”

Chaudhary’s responsibilities will span multiple domains: coordinating national competitions, liaising with state federations to scout talent, and working with the Indian Weightlifting Federation to secure specialized coaching staff. He will also be instrumental in securing sponsorship deals and advocating for better facilities at existing centers like the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hubs.

Building a Pipeline of Future Champions

Central to Chaudhary’s mandate is the creation of a sustainable athlete pipeline. The IPC’s strategy, as outlined in the “India Para‑Powerlifting 2025 Roadmap,” identifies three pillars: grassroots outreach, elite development and sport science integration.

1. Grassroots Outreach: Chaudhary will lead a statewide “Powerlifting for All” initiative that identifies aspiring athletes in schools, community centres and rehabilitation hospitals. The plan includes free coaching clinics, distribution of equipment to under‑funded clubs, and partnerships with NGOs that focus on disabled youth.

2. Elite Development: The roadmap proposes the establishment of a dedicated National Para‑Powerlifting Training Centre in Bangalore, funded through a public‑private partnership. Chaudhary’s role will involve selecting coaching staff, designing periodised training plans, and ensuring compliance with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)’s anti‑doping regulations.

3. Sport Science Integration: A novel feature of the 2025 Roadmap is the use of data analytics and biomechanical analysis to fine‑tune technique. Chaudhary will coordinate with the Sports Science Council of India to pilot an app that tracks training load, movement patterns and injury risk, enabling athletes to train smarter rather than harder.

Chaudhary expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives: “We’re not just aiming to win medals; we’re building an ecosystem that empowers athletes to pursue their passion without stigma or financial constraints.”

Addressing Funding and Infrastructure Constraints

While India’s Paralympic athletes have shown remarkable progress, they still face financial hurdles. The IPC has cited a budget of ₹20 crore (US$2.5 million) earmarked for para‑powerlifting in 2025, which is considerably lower than the allocation for Olympic weightlifting. Chaudhary will therefore be tasked with advocating for a 30 % increase in funding from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In addition, the IPC has identified critical infrastructure gaps—such as the lack of specialized weight‑lifting benches that cater to different levels of disability. The proposed training centre will feature adjustable benches, accessible weigh‑scale systems and dedicated rehabilitation rooms. Chaudhary plans to collaborate with equipment manufacturers to secure cost‑effective yet high‑quality gear for athletes.

“Funding is a prerequisite, but so is infrastructure,” he noted. “Without the right equipment, athletes can’t perform at their peak, and the potential for international success is compromised.”

International Collaboration and Benchmarking

Chaudhary’s global experience will also help India benchmark its programmes against leading nations. He has already begun dialogues with the Chinese and South Korean para‑powerlifting federations to study their training cycles and talent identification processes. The IPC is also exploring joint training camps with these countries, scheduled to begin in 2026.

These international collaborations aim to transfer knowledge on topics ranging from nutrition for para‑athletes to psychological resilience coaching. Chaudhary remarked, “Our athletes need exposure to diverse competitive environments. By learning from the best, we can elevate the standard of Indian para‑powerlifting.”

Looking Ahead

With the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, the appointment of Shubham Chaudhary as Vice‑President is expected to galvanise the sport’s trajectory. His blend of competitive experience, organisational acumen and vision for systemic change positions him uniquely to steer India’s para‑powerlifting community toward greater inclusivity and success.

As the IPC India monitors the impact of Chaudhary’s initiatives, stakeholders—including coaches, athletes and sponsors—will be keenly watching how the 2025 Roadmap translates into podium finishes and increased participation. One thing is clear: India’s para‑powerlifting future is poised to take a decisive lift, and Chaudhary’s leadership could very well be the catalyst.