A candy store of emotions—full of joy, sorrow, challenges, tears, hard work, discipline, and immense dedication—that's how Niyateey Shah describes her son's extraordinary journey.
Prithvi Samrat Sengupta, an 18-year-old from the beautiful city of Dehradun, is a powerlifter with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome affects how a person's body and brain develop, leading to characteristic features and developmental delays.
Despite the challenges of Down syndrome, Prithvi is not just a powerlifter but has become a symbol of perseverance and a beacon of resilience. He has made India proud on several occasions, earning multiple accolades to his name. This year, in September, he won gold at the Asian Powerlifting Championship Bench Press in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. October saw him clinch another gold at the Commonwealth Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championship in Sun City, South Africa. In November, he secured a silver in squat, a bronze in deadlift, and an overall bronze at the IPF World Open Powerlifting Championship in Iceland. Now, ending the season on a high note, he won an overall gold at the Asian Powerlifting Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 10. Prithvi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary and an inspiration to many.
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In an exclusive chat with the OnlyMyHealth team, Prithvi, his mother Niyateey, and coach Aman Rai Vohra opened up about their incredible journeys together and how they managed to get so far, overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable success.
Prithvi’s Journey Into Powerlifting
Prithvi's journey into powerlifting began with his paediatrician's advice to build muscle strength through regular physical exercise. Diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome, the doctor had shared that his muscle tissues were softer than those of other healthy children. Prithvi began training daily at the age of six to improve his physical development. However, over time, the routine became monotonous, which is when his trainer introduced him to weightlifting.
“During this time, his coach, Mr. Sanket Arekar, noticed something unique—Prithvi had extraordinary strength and an attraction toward lifting weights. His father suggested channelling this strength into a sport, and we consulted with his paediatrician,” said Niyateey, adding that while weightlifting was ruled out due to risks associated with weak neck muscles in special children, powerlifting seemed like a safer option.”
This moment paved the way for Prithvi to pursue powerlifting—a sport that suited his abilities and determination.
As Prithvi grew older, his journey into professional powerlifting began under the guidance of Shree Madhukar Darekar, a nine-time national powerlifting champion, who passed away, leaving a void in Prithvi’s life, recounted Niyateey. “He trained Prithvi during the initial stages and played a vital role in shaping his early progress,” she shared.
After moving to Dehradun, they met with his current coach, Mr. Aman Vora, who has been training Prithvi over the past two years. “The results have been phenomenal, and it’s been an inspiring journey for all of us to witness.”
From A Mother’s Lens: How Shaping A Champion Was “Beautiful, Emotional, And Full Of Unforgettable Moments”
As a single mother, Niyateey shared her own struggles, especially dealing with societal perceptions and stigmas around raising a child with Down syndrome. “It wasn’t easy,” she admitted, recalling how family gatherings and public spaces often became uncomfortable. The decision to focus solely on Prithvi’s growth and shield him from negativity was a turning point.
Niyateey emphasised the importance of special schools in enhancing the potential of children like Prithvi. “Unfortunately, in India, there’s still stigma around special schools,” she explained. Her experience with inclusive schools was disheartening, as Prithvi often felt left out. “In school photographs, he would always be in a corner,” she recalled.
Today, Prithvi’s achievements are proof of his determination and the unwavering support of his mother, grandparents, and his coach. “When he wins, it proves a point—that special children are capable of extraordinary things. It makes me so proud,” Niyateey said with pride.
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Prithvi’s Diet And Workout Regime
It was two years ago when Prithvi met his coach, Aman Rai Vohra. “At the time, Prithvi was doing basic exercises at his gym and had just started participating in powerlifting events. After discussing his future plans, we decided to pursue professional powerlifting championships and tournaments,” he said.
Recounting the journey, he shared, “When Prithvi came to me, he weighed around 80 kgs. My first step was to create a diet plan that helped him lose 20 kgs while building his strength. Within six months, we transitioned to professional powerlifting training. His technique, posture, and lifts improved significantly. Today, Prithvi is not just an Asian champion but also a world champion, performing exceptionally well.”
Prithvi’s training sessions mostly involve cardio workouts. This is because people with Down syndrome tend to have a higher body weight, which is when cardio helps maintain weight and build endurance, explained coach Vohra. He added, “I include aerobics and bodyweight exercises for at least an hour daily. After cardio, we focus on weight training, which is done every day. However, his powerlifting routine is limited to three days a week. On other days, we focus on strengthening smaller and larger muscle groups. This approach ensures he's ready to achieve our next target: bringing home a medal for India in the next Olympics.”
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According to the coach, the biggest challenge while training him is repetition. Due to Down syndrome, I have to remind him about every lift, grip, posture, and muscle focus multiple times, even during competitions. Despite this, Prithvi retains his technique well, and his dedication ensures consistent progress.
As Prithvi is a vegetarian, his diet plan is carefully curated to balance calories, protein, carbohydrates, and overall nutritional needs.
Inspiring Athletes With Special Needs To Dream Big
As a coach, Mr. Vohra has trained several other athletes. But according to him, what sets Prithvi apart from other athletes is his never-give-up attitude and his fearlessness. Sharing an instance in the journey, he recollects, “During the World Championship in Iceland, he competed against athletes twice his age and size. When I pointed this out to him, his response was simple: "It doesn't matter. I'll play." That unwavering confidence and resilience are what make him truly exceptional.
Coach Vohra believes that Prithvi's success will go on to inspire many in the powerlifting community and beyond. “Many young athletes and their parents now approach me after seeing him compete at international levels. His achievements motivate parents to encourage their children, including those with special needs, to explore sports and pursue their interests,” he shared.
Through your platform, I want to encourage all parents: don’t let societal negativity hold you back. If your child shows interest in any field—be it sports, games, or anything else—support them wholeheartedly, and success will follow.
A Mother’s Message To Other Moms With Special Needs Children
“To all the mothers out there, remember this: your child is special, and so are you,” said Niyateey. “God has specifically chosen you to nurture and care for a child who needs that extra love and attention. Together, you and your child form an extraordinary team.”
She concluded the interview by encouraging parents with special needs kids to give their children early intervention, a secure family environment, and a positive atmosphere. “Trust me, your child will not only make you proud but will also bring immense pride to your entire family. Be that special mother who gives their child the special care they deserve,” she signed off, radiating a deep sense of pride.