Young weightlifting star lifts her way to glory

September 9, 2025 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

At just 14 years old, T. Juhita Guna from Rajamahendravaram has become a symbol of strength, dedication, and inspiration.

She recently brought home a gold medal in the 69 kg category at the Commonwealth Games held in Ahmedabad, where athletes from 29 countries competed.

Her journey began not in a gym, but at home. In Class VI, she casually lifted a 25 kg rice bag, shocking her parents.

Her mother, Parvati, a weightlifting coach and former athlete, saw potential and began guiding her.

Both her parents, experienced in weightlifting, became her pillars of strength.

Parvati ensured that Juhita had all the support she needed. From daily trips to the gym to coaching her personally, she left no stone unturned.

Eventually, they appointed a professional coach to prepare her for national and international competitions.

Parvati acknowledged that although the family faces financial difficulties, they have committed to spending nearly ₹15,000 each month on Juhita’s diet and training, recognising it as a significant challenge they willingly undertook.

Juhita has already made her mark in various competitions.

She won medals in:

AP Inter-District Championship (Anakapalle)
Youth Open Nationals (Himachal Pradesh)
National Championship (Manipur)
Khelo India Youth Games (Bihar)

She is now undergoing advanced training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Lucknow.

Her achievements have brought pride to her hometown. On her return from Ahmedabad, her school in Lalacheruvu organised a grand welcome.

Students formed a human chain in the shape of India, and she was brought in a procession on an open-top jeep.

Local MLA Adireddi Srinivas honoured her with a ₹25,000 cheque, a shawl, and a bouquet, assuring continued support for her journey ahead. Juhita aspires to win medals at the Olympic and Asian Games in the future.

Drawing inspiration from her parents and her role model, Karanam Malleswari, she expressed her desire to dedicate all her success to her parents and her hometown, acknowledging them as the guiding force behind her journey.

Her story is a shining example of how hard work, family support, and self-belief can lift a young girl to national glory.

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

Image Published on April 19, 2020