Empower yourself

Prakash Tukaram Mohare (42), Taluka Sports Officer, Sangamner Taluka, Ahmednagar, may have a disability but that did not stop him from winning medals at para powerlifting competitions at the state, national and international levels. Mohare, a polio-affected sportsman, got introduced to sports in 1990 as a teenager and since then there has been no looking back.

Powerlifting consists of three types of lifts — squat, deadlift and bench press. Mohare couldn’t perform squat and deadlift, so he pursued bench press powerlifting. “Earlier, physically disabled people were into sports like shot put, discus, javelin and tricycle race. Just like other sportsmen, I also started with athletics and because my body was in shape, slowly and steadily, I shifted to powerlifting. Since 1995, I completely opted for powerlifting,” he says.

He never allowed his physical condition to be a barrier to his dreams and choices. “It all depends on your will. You can achieve whatever you aim for. I neither had a trainer nor did I get any help from the government. I also faced financial issues, but it never stopped me,” says Mohare who started coaching children.

He proves that motivation does not require any external factor. “I didn’t take motivation from anywhere else. I myself decided that I am not going to quit. However, my family and friends supported me a lot,” says Mohare.  He also won Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award in 2002 for powerlifting. 

He follows a workout routine everyday and keeps to a regular diet. However, his diet plan changes as per the need of the competition. He suggests that people should understand their body and accordingly plan their diet and workout. “Never lose hope, it takes time but eventually, the hard work pays off,” he says, adding, “Watch your carb intake and have a balanced diet to stay in shape.”

People, who are not into intense fitness training, should not go for supplements. “There are already enough food products that provide a sufficient amount of nutrients to your body. You just need to find the right food items for your body,” he says.

Mohare’s exercises are similar to those of other regular people. The main difference is that he performs them while sitting.

“Things have become easier as we now have access to equipment designed for specially-abled people. Hence, training has become easy,” he says, adding, “Those who want to pursue a career as a sports person should start preparing for it at their home. After which they can take the right kind of training and guidance to participate in competitions at different levels.”