PERSONAL INFORMATION
Birth name: P. Gururaja
Profession: Weightlifting
Known for: Winning a gold medal in men’s 56 kg weight class at the 2016 South Asian Games
Date of Birth: 15 August 1992 (Saturday)
Age (as of 2022): 30 Years
Birthplace: Vandse, Karnataka, India
Zodiac sign: Leo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Vandse, Karnataka, India
Age: 30 Years
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EDUCATION
School(s): • The Government higher primary school at Vandse in Kundapur Taluk • Mookambika High School, Kollur
College/University: Sri Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) College, Ujire [1] The Indian Express
Educational Qualification: Graduation at SDM College Ujire [2] New Indian Express
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 155 cm in meters – 1.55 m in feet & inches – 5’ 1”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 56 kg in pounds – 123 lbs
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
Height: 5′ 1″
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Unmarried
Wife/Spouse: N/A
Parents: Father – Mahabala Poojari (truck driver) Mother – Paddu Poojari (homemaker)
Siblings: Brothers – 5 • Rajesh Poojary • Manohar Poojary • Mohan Poojary • Ravirajand Poojary • Uday Poojary Note: All of his brothers are Kabaddi athletes.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: 2016: Commonwealth senior weightlifting championships
OTHER INFORMATION
National Coach: Vijay Sharma
Medals: Commonwealth Games • Silver medal in 2018 at Gold Coast in 56 kg category • Bronze medal in 2022 at Birmingham in 61 kg category Commonwealth Championships • Gold medal in 2016 at Penang in 56 kg category • Silver medal in 2021 at Tashkent in 61 kg category • Bronze medal in 2017 at Gold Coast in 56 kg category
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Gururaja Poojary, an accomplished Indian weightlifter, has made a remarkable mark in the world of sports with his commendable performances on international platforms. He first garnered attention at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia, where he secured a silver medal in the men’s 56 kg weight class, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. His journey did not end there, as he further solidified his position in the weightlifting arena by clinching a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, demonstrating his consistency and resilience over the years.
Growing up in the Udipi district, Gururaja was characterized by a slim and short physique during his childhood, yet he displayed remarkable courage against the bullies at Mookambika High School. It was here that his physical education teacher, Sukesh Shetty, recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue wrestling. Gururaja embraced this sport with fervor, practicing traditional wrestling known as ‘gatta gusti’ that is prevalent in South Canara and Northern Malabar. Inspired by the success of Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar, particularly his bronze medal victory in the 2008 Olympics, Gururaja found a role model who illuminated his path in sports.
His academic journey at SDM College in Ujire marked a pivotal point in his athletic career. Seeking to hone his skills, Gururaja actively searched for a wrestling coach and transitioned to weightlifting after being introduced to the sport through renowned weightlifters in the gym. Under the guidance of coach Rajendra Prasad, he began practicing weightlifting in 2010 and soon started representing his college. His ascent in the sport has been steady, moving from wrestling to powerlifting and ultimately to weightlifting, demonstrating a passion that has driven him through challenges.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Gururaja has also served as an Aircraft-man in the Indian Air Force since 2015. Initially aspiring to join the Indian Army, he pivoted to the Air Force due to height constraints. During the same year, he achieved significant milestones by winning silver medals at both the All India University title in Jalandhar and the Senior Level Weightlifting Championship in Jaipur. His achievements continued to grow, as he broke his own records with lifting totals that impressed coaches and peers alike.
As he progressed in his career, Gururaja’s hard work bore fruit when he made his senior national debut in 2016, winning gold medals in various championships, including the Commonwealth senior weightlifting championship in Malaysia and the South Asian Games in Guwahati. His family’s financial struggles fueled his ambition; he expressed that winning medals was crucial for improving his family’s living conditions. Gururaja’s achievements have not only brought personal glory but have also served to uplift his family from the grips of poverty. His mother poignantly recalled how the family’s fortunes began to change through the hard work and dedication of her sons, emphasizing the importance of support and encouragement in realizing their potential. Notably, Gururaja’s impressive track record earned him the prestigious ‘Ekalavya’ award, recognizing him as a significant figure in Indian sports, a testament to his journey from humble beginnings to national acclaim.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.
