KADAPA: At just 23, powerlifter Done Murali Krishna has already proven that sheer determination and hard work can transform dreams into record-breaking reality. With 40 medals to his name—including 18 gold—Murali stands as a symbol of grit, passion, and national pride.
BPEd second-year student at Narayanamma College of Physical Education, Badvel in Murali continues to dominate both national and international arenas. His latest triumph was a gold medal at the All India Inter-University Championship in Kashmir, where he lifted 640 kg in the 59 kg category.
Powerlifting, for Murali, is a call shaped by relentless dedication and the unwavering support of his family. Hailing from Machilipatnam and now based in Vizag, Murali draws strength from his father, Radhakrishna, a Gramin Dak Sevak in the postal department, who has taken loans totalling nearly `7 lakh to support his son’s powerlifting ambitions.
“My father is my biggest supporter. He went into debt just so I could compete at national and international levels,” says Murali. His journey began during his student days at IIIT Idupulapaya, where he pursued an integrated B.Tech programme between 2016 and 2022. Inspired by Physics Professor and sports coach Balagovind Tiwari, he took powerlifting seriously in 2018. What began as curiosity soon became a career that now commands global recognition.
In 2023, at the World Junior Equipped Powerlifting Championship in Malta, Murali made history. Competing in the 59 kg category, he bagged three gold medals and set a world record in deadlift with 266.05 kg. He had impressed the international circuit a year ago in Istanbul, Turkey, winning multiple medals in both equipped and classic formats in the 53 kg junior category. Recognising his achievements, Yogi Vemana University awarded him a `30,000 cash prize and a monthly allowance of `10,000 for diet and training. Vice-Chancellor Dr Allam Srinivasarao felicitated him.
Murali’s medal tally continues to grow. In April 2024, he clinched one gold and two silver medals in the senior 59 kg category in Hyderabad. In June, he added two golds and a silver at the Junior Equipped Championship in Patiala, followed by three silvers at the Junior Classic event in Ganganagar. In May, he won gold at the All India Inter-University Championship at TNPESU, Tamil Nadu. Between 2020 and 2023, he consistently dominated junior and sub-junior events across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Udaipur, and Ghaziabad.
Despite financial struggles, Murali excels academically and trains relentlessly. His journey lifts more than just weights—it lifts his family’s hopes, young athletes’ dreams, and India’s spirit. “Where there is passion, anything is achievable,” says Murali, as he pushes forward—one lift, one dream, and one milestone at a time.