33 year old outstanding athelete from Chamoli Munni Devi bags two gold medals in Bangkok, Kudos
SUNIL NEGI
Dehradun/Chamoli, 24 June 2026.
Uttarakhand’s Munni Devi has made the state and the nation proud by clinching two back-to-back gold medals in the women’s category at the World Powerlifting Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand. Hailing from Kimotha village under Pokhri development block in Chamoli district of Garhwal, the 33-year-old athlete overcame limited resources and tough hill terrain to dominate the international stage.
According to local reports, Munni Devi has been a consistent performer at the national level, having won three gold medals in national powerlifting championships earlier in her career. Her latest success at the world championships marks a new high for the hill state, which has seen growing participation of women athletes in strength sports.
District officials and sports enthusiasts in Chamoli said Munni Devi’s journey reflects determination and courage. Born into a family of modest means in the remote Kimotha village, she trained without advanced facilities, often improvising with locally available equipment. Her coaches credit her discipline and “never-give-up” attitude for the international breakthrough.
The double-gold haul in Bangkok has sparked celebrations across Pokhri block and the wider Garhwal region. Residents of Chamoli district said her victory has inspired young girls in the hills to take up sports professionally. Social organisations and local panchayat representatives have announced plans to felicitate her upon her return.
Sports department officials said Munni Devi’s achievement would be recommended for state honours and financial assistance under the Uttarakhand sports policy. Chief Minister’s Office sources indicated that the government is considering enhanced support for powerlifters from the hill districts.
Munni Devi is expected to return to India later this week. Her family in Kimotha said they are “overwhelmed” and thanked coaches and supporters who helped her reach the world stage.
Uttarakhand’s sports fraternity has hailed the win as a milestone for women’s powerlifting in the state. “From the mountains of Chamoli to the podium in Bangkok, Munni Devi has shown that talent backed by dedication can beat every odd,” said a senior official of the State Sports Council.
_Uknationews_ extends heartfelt congratulations to Munni Devi on her historic achievement and wishes her continued success in future championships.
