He is a true fighter. Here is the complete Vikas Thakur Biography…
A simple boy from an ordinary family rose to extraordinary heights with persistent hard work and belief in his talent. Armed with the support of his family and natives, he knew nothing could stop him. In spite of limited resources at his disposal, he achieved glory. But this is just the beginning, the journey has truly begun now and the golden pinnacle awaits.
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth sail, but a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, isn’t it?! From lack of facilities to injuries, he has been through some really tough times. Every time life put another obstacle his way, he overcame it and came up stronger. He has repertoire of bronze and silver, the gold still eludes him. Not for very long! He has set his eyes on the yellow metal and is ready to give it all!
Let’s join talented weightlifter Vikas Thakur on this golden journey.
About Athlete | |
Full Name | Vikas Thakur |
Age | 25 |
Sport Category | Weightlifting |
Date of Birth | 14 November 1993 |
Hometown | Patnoun, Himachal Pradesh, India |
Height | 1.72 m |
Weight | 84 kg |
Coach | B. S. Medhwan |
Playing Position | 77 kg, 85 kg, 94 kg |
Vikas Thakur Biography
Journey
Men’s 85 kg 2014 at Glasgow, Scotland
commonwealth games pic.twitter.com/gDcLZLxnft
— vikas thakur (@thakur671) October 24, 2014
Vikas Thakur announced his arrival on the international stage with a sparkling silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2014. He won the silver by lifting 333, which included 150 in snatch and 183 kg in clean and jerk. He narrowly lost the gold to New Zealand’s Richard Patterson who lifted 335 kg (151 + 184).
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His victory delighted not just his proud family, or beaming village, but the entire country! He was welcomed back by BJYM activists and villagers in style. People danced and celebrated the achievement of their son.
In the year 2015, Thakur broke the National record in men’s 85 kg. The earlier record was set by Takinder Singh of Punjab in 2001. Finally after 14 years, Thakur broke the record with a snatch of 153 kg. He also scored stunning 186 in clean and jerk.
Men’s 94 kg 2018 CWG at Gold Coast
Vikas lifted a total of 351 kg with 159 kg in snatch and 192 kg in clean and jerk at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018. He won the bronze medal much to the delight of the entire country. He lost out to Steven Kari from Papua New Guinea (370 kg) and Boady Santavy from Canada (369 kg). His victory was celebrated by his friends and family. He was welcomed at the railways station and got the hero’s welcome that he deserved.
More glory thanks to our weightlifters. Congratulations Vikas Thakur for the Bronze in the men's 94kg event. You have brought smiles on the faces of all Indians: PM @narendramodi #GC2018 pic.twitter.com/IDM7JVSoeF
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 8, 2018
Government Apathy Towards Vikas Thakur
In an interview with the Times of India, Thakur expressed his disappointment over the lack of support from the government. Though many schemes and support initiatives are declared by the government, these don’t end up actually benefiting the players.
“The government allots funds for players, however it does not reach them. It should identify the source of corruption. The government does not ask, and players do not raise their voice against it. Even if they raise their voice, nobody listens to them. I belong to a middle-class family, and my family supported me in all ways to make me reach this level. However, not all are fortunate enough to have the motivational and financial support of their families, which is why talent remains buried in Punjab.”
It is very heart-breaking to see talented athletes missing out on opportunities due to lack of support. Thakur was nominated for the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award but did not receive any update about the same.
Family Background of Vikas Thakur
strength of my life ? #HappyFatherDay pic.twitter.com/tARFjkRKk4
— vikas thakur (@thakur671) June 17, 2018
It was his father who inspired him to pursue a career in sports. When he was just nine years old, Vikas Thakur first started weightlifting. His talent was visible since then. His father is employed with the Indian Railways and is currently working as Mail Express Guard. The family moved to Ludhiana more than three decades back after his posting.
Parvesh Chander Sharma, working with the Ludhiana District Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Club guided and trained Vikas in the beginning of his career. Currently, he is being coached by Vijay Sharma and Sandeep Kumar at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala.
Ludhiana: Family of #VikasThakur celebrate at his winning the bronze medal in men's 94 kg weightlifting category #CommonwealthGames2018 pic.twitter.com/JyHbNugbJL
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2018
Interesting Facts about Vikas Thakur
- Vikas Thakur is employed with the Indian Air Force.
- He has also been a part of Punjab, Services, and Air Force.
- He works as a Warrant Officer and is posted in Chandigarh.
Achievements of Vikas Thakur
National Finals: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Four Times National Champion
Personal Best: Snatch 159 Kg, Clean Jerk 190 Kg
Commonwealth Games
| Year | Place | Event | Medal |
| 2014 | Glasgow, Scotland | 85 kg | Silver |
| 2018 | Gold Coast, Australia | 94 kg | Bronze |
