Indo-Fijian powerlifter Varun Lal has made history after winning four medals for Team Australia at the World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa from 4–9 November.
The 29-year-old, who grew up in Navau, Ba (Fiji), dominated the competition with three world titles and a silver medal. Lal claimed first place in the 140kg Raw Open, 125kg Single Ply, and 125kg Deadlift-only categories, and finished second in the 125kg Bench-only division.
Now based in Brisbane, Lal only began serious powerlifting in mid-2023 after moving from Fiji. He balances his intense training regime with running his mechanical engineering firm, Pasifika Renewables Consultant.
Lal said he never imagined reaching the world stage when he first walked into Fortitude Barbell gym last year.
“I took up powerlifting seriously around mid-2023… once I started, I never looked back,” he told Fiji Times, crediting his coach “Big Jack” and teammates for convincing him to try equipped lifting.
He described preparing for the world championships as “one of the toughest but most rewarding phases” of his life, juggling late-night and early-morning sessions around his workload. His national results under the CAPO federation secured him a place on Team Australia.
Lal achieved his two main goals in South Africa — winning gold in his equipped category and setting a new national record.
“My biggest motivation came from my family — especially my dad, who was seriously injured last year. I dedicated every lift to him,” he said, thanking his coach Jack and partner Keisha for pushing him through the toughest moments.
The Fiji-born champion encouraged young aspiring lifters in Fiji to stay consistent, work hard and back themselves.
Lal made his debut for Australia in Chicago last year and continues to pursue elite competition while running his engineering business in Brisbane.
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