Sakina Khatun Paralympics from India

Sakina Khatun, born on June 20, 1989, in Basirhat, West Bengal, India, has emerged as a trailblazer in Indian para powerlifting. Despite contracting polio in her infancy—a condition that necessitated four surgeries—she transformed adversity into strength, becoming the first Indian woman para-athlete to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Initially, Sakina pursued swimming to strengthen her muscles, as advised by her doctors. However, after not achieving the desired success in national-level competitions, she transitioned to powerlifting in 2010, inspired by Indian powerlifter Farman Basha. Her dedication bore fruit at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she secured a bronze medal in the women’s 61kg category with a lift of 88.2kg.

Continuing her ascent, Sakina represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, finishing fifth in the women’s 50kg event with a lift of 93kg. She also clinched a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games, further solidifying her status in the sport.

In 2024, Sakina’s persistence led her to qualify for the Paris Paralympics in the 45kg weight category, marking her second Paralympic appearance. Her journey from a small village in West Bengal to the global stage of para powerlifting is a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Sakina’s story has garnered significant media attention, inspiring many across the nation. She has been featured in various publications and honored among nine women achievers at the 2016 BREW awards organized by The Brew Magazine in Chennai, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Sakina Khatun’s journey underscores the power of determination and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially those facing physical challenges.

She took up Para powerlifting in 2010. She originally competed in Para swimming but quit the sport after she was not selected for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. (yourstory.com, 26 Aug 2019; thehindu.com, 04 Aug 2014)

Reason: One of her swimming coaches suggested she take up Para powerlifting and introduced her to Indian powerlifter Farman Basha. “Swimming definitely turned out to be an amazing experience for me. But I could not make it through either competitions or national-level championships. Then, I happened to meet Farman Basha, one of the most renowned powerlifters in India. He put the thought of powerlifting in my head.” (yourstory.com, 26 Aug 2019; thehindu.com, 04 Aug 2014)

Ambition:

Milestones: She became the first Indian Para powerlifter to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games when she won bronze in the 61kg category at the 2014 Games in Glasgow, Scotland. (SportsDeskOnline, 23 May 2021)

Training:

Influence:

Philosophy: “Right from fighting muscle pain and fatigue, training with weights and dumbbells every day, to overcoming a lot of financial distress, my journey was fraught with multiple challenges. But I knew it was important for me to not give up at any point. After all, no aspiration is worth renouncing.” (yourstory.com, 26 Aug 2019)

Award:

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