From small town to world stage: A man's unstoppable ascent | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a world where success often hinges on resources, Done Murali Krishna proves that heart and hard work can outweigh any obstacle.

At just 23, this powerlifting prodigy from Vizag has earned 40 medals, including 18 gold medals.

He became a symbol of perseverance and inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.

Currently pursuing his BPEd at Narayanamma College of Physical Education, Badvel, Murali continues to shine on national and international platforms.

In April 2024, he bagged gold and two silver medals at a senior event in Hyderabad, followed by multiple podium finishes in Patiala, Ganganagar, and Tamil Nadu. However, his rise wasn’t easy, it was forged in sacrifice.

Originally from Machilipatnam, Murali draws strength from his father, Radhakrishna, a humble Gramin Dak Sevak in the postal department.

Despite financial hardships, Murali shared that his father had borrowed nearly ₹7 lakh to support his dream, and it was his father’s sacrifices that motivated him to keep pushing forward and stay grounded.

His journey began during his years at IIIT Idupulapaya during 2016–2022. There his Physics professor and sports coach Balagovind Tiwari encouraged him and introduced him to powerlifting.

What started as curiosity turned into an unstoppable passion by 2018.

The turning point came in 2023, when Murali etched his name in history at the World Junior Equipped Powerlifting Championship in Malta.

There, he won three gold medals and set a world record in deadlift with a staggering 266.05 kg in the 59 kg category.

This followed his breakout performance in 2022 in Istanbul, where he won multiple medals in both junior-equipped and classic formats.

Additionally, Yogi Vemana University acknowledged his achievements with a ₹30,000 cash award and a monthly allowance for training and diet.

Though the road has been steep, Murali’s unwavering focus and tireless work ethic continue to inspire.

He doesn’t just lift weights, he lifts the spirits of young athletes and families dreaming of a better future.

With each record broken, he reminds others that where there is purpose and passion, no weight is too heavy.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on September 30, 2018

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1520203