Ludhiana: Commonwealth medal-winning weightlifter injured, set to miss major competitions

Commonwealth medal-winning weightlifter from Ludhiana, Vikas Thakur, is reportedly injured and set to miss major international tournaments that are coming up.

According to people close to him, Thakur is facing one of his career’s biggest challenges in from of a cervical spine injury. Thakur had to get specialised surgery to get back on track towards a comeback and sources say he is “recovering steadily”.

Thakur is set to miss national competitions, and major global and continental events like Asian Games in Japan, Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, World Championship and the Olympic qualifiers.

He is said to have suffered the injury involving the C4-C5 segment of the spine sometime last year. This sort of injury can prove to be “serious” for career athletes.

According to experts, an injury at the level can affect nerve roots and spinal stability, and in elite weightlifting — where massive loads are repeatedly placed on the neck, back and shoulders — it demands surgical intervention and an extended rehabilitation period.

Over the past decade, Thakur has firmly established himself as one of the country’s most consistent performers on the international stage, winning multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games. He is also a nine-time national record holder in 85kg and 96kg weight categories.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Thakur clinched the silver medal in the men’s 96kg weight category, lifting a combined total of 346 kg — 155 kg in snatch and 191 kg in clean and jerk. The medal marked his third podium finish at Commonwealth Games, having won silver in the 2014 Glasgow Games and bronze medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.

Acknowledging his contribution to elevating the state’s sporting profile and in recognition of his achievement at the Birmingham Games, the state government awarded Thakur Rs 50 lakh. His success also brought renewed attention to Ludhiana’s role as a nurturing ground for strength sports.

Beyond medals, Thakur emerged as a source of inspiration for young athletes. He repeatedly highlighted the importance of modern training facilities, scientific coaching and sustained government support to help emerging talent compete at national and international levels.

Sports experts believe Thakur’s career is a testament to what focused training and institutional backing can achieve, and his journey continues to motivate the next generation of weightlifters.

People close to Thakur said the surgery was aimed at stabilising the injured segments and relieving pressure on affected nerves.

“His primary focus is on complete rehabilitation, regaining peak strength and ensuring long-term fitness rather than rushing into competition. Athletes of Thakur’s calibre often work closely with sports psychologists to maintain confidence, cope with limitations and visualise successful returns,” said an individual close to the weightlifter, requesting not to be named.

While no official timeline was revealed, Thakur’s recovery might even take a year of careful progression.

Sports enthusiasts and officials are hopeful that the seasoned weightlifter will make a strong comeback and once again represent India on the international stage, winning more accolades for the country.