PM Modi Praises Odisha Weightlifter Harshvardhan Sahu in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded 16-year-old Odisha weightlifter Harshvardhan Sahu during the 122nd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, recognizing his record-breaking performance at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 held in Bihar.

Sahu set two new national records in weightlifting, earning nationwide recognition and the Prime Minister’s special mention alongside fellow athletes Asmita Dhone of Maharashtra and Tushar Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh.

“The brilliant performances of Asmita Dhone of Maharashtra, Harshvardhan Sahu of Odisha, and Tushar Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh in the weightlifting competition won everyone’s heart,” Modi said, applauding the young talents for their inspiring achievements.

Reacting to the acknowledgment, Sahu expressed his surprise and gratitude. “I was very much surprised when our Prime Minister mentioned my name along with some other Khelo India participants in his Mann Ki Baat address,” he said. Sahu is currently training at the prestigious Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala.

The recognition from the Prime Minister has boosted morale not just for Sahu but for aspiring athletes across the country, reinforcing the importance of grassroots sports initiatives like Khelo India in nurturing future champions.