Published on: May 06, 2025
By: BTI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Renowned spiritual organization Prajapita Brahma Kumaris honoured international powerlifting and weightlifting champion Sitlesh Patel for his outstanding achievement at the 11th International Championship for Weightlifting and Powerlifting, held in Dubai, UAE, from April 22 to 28, 2025.
Representing India, Sitlesh Patel from Rajnandgaon clinched two separate gold medals—one each in weightlifting and powerlifting—bringing pride to the nation on the global stage. Upon his triumphant return to Rajnandgaon on April 29, he received a hero’s welcome at the railway station, filled with patriotic songs, drums, and DJ music. A grand victory procession was carried out through the city’s main streets, culminating at the newly constructed Rajyoga Meditation Center of Brahma Kumaris.
At the center, Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Pushpa Didi, Prabha Behn, and other Brahma Kumari sisters warmly welcomed Sitlesh with a traditional tilak ceremony and floral bouquets. Notably, Sitlesh Patel has been practicing Rajyoga meditation at the Brahma Kumaris ashram for the past 15 years, and he attributed his victory to the spiritual strength gained from remembering God (Shiv Baba) and the concentration developed through regular Rajyoga practice.
He also expressed gratitude to his parents, mentors, Shiv Baba’s blessings, and the good wishes of the Brahma Kumari family for his victory.
Pushpa Didi congratulated Sitlesh and stated, “It is a matter of immense pride for Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, and all of India that Sitlesh Patel has raised the country’s flag high in Dubai through his gold-medal performance.”
Coach M. Harinath, who traveled from Dalli Rajhara and is a recipient of the Veer Hanuman Singh Award by the Government of Chhattisgarh, praised Sitlesh as the only Indian athlete to win international gold medals in all three disciplines—weightlifting, powerlifting, and strength lifting. He noted that Sitlesh has been consistently winning medals for India and now also holds the prestigious role of captain of the Indian national team, a remarkable responsibility for someone so young.
Professor Vijay Manikpuri from Conference College shared his 25-year-long association with Sitlesh, tracing back to his leadership role in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He applauded Sitlesh’s discipline, hard work, and dedication, even managing intense training after his police duty, which is now yielding national and international recognition.
Brahma Kumari Prabha Behn called Sitlesh Patel a true inspiration for the youth, highlighting his unwavering commitment to nation-building and service.
The program was conducted smoothly by Brahma Kumar Jhalam Bhai, with participation from the Brahma Kumaris family and hundreds of sports enthusiasts from various regions. The ceremony concluded with collective remembrance and meditation.
