Berhampur, Odisha , September 24, 2025: The Indian sports community is mourning the loss of Vijay Kumar Satpathy, a legendary weightlifter and Arjuna Awardee, who passed away at the age of 71 on Monday night at his residence in Somnath Nagar, Berhampur. His sudden departure has left athletes, officials, and fans across the nation deeply saddened.
Satpathy was more than just a champion athlete — he was a mentor, a pioneer, and an inspiration to generations of weightlifters in India. Known for his discipline, humility, and dedication, he proudly represented the country on numerous national and international stages.
A Life Dedicated to Excellence in Weightlifting
Starting his journey at the local Veer Hanuman Club in Berhampur, Satpathy quickly rose through the ranks to become one of India’s most celebrated weightlifters. His decorated career includes:
- Gold at the 1981 Mini Commonwealth Games
- Silver at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in England
- Two Bronze medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championships
- Gold at the 1982 National Championships in Peshawar
- Six-time National Gold Medalist between 1977 and 1982
For these outstanding achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1982.
Professionally, Satpathy began his career in the Indian Navy in 1974, later joining the Indian Railways, all while contributing actively to the sport.
A Mentor and Guide Beyond His Competitive Years
Even after retiring in 2009, Satpathy remained deeply connected to weightlifting. According to Narayan Sahu, head of Veer Hanuman Club, Satpathy regularly coached young athletes, sharing his knowledge and passion. His mentorship helped shape many promising sports careers, and his influence extended far beyond his own medals.
Final Years and Honoring a Legend
In recent years, Satpathy battled health challenges following a stroke in 2024 but stayed surrounded by family, friends, and former trainees. His contributions were recognized with the Biju Patnaik Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and accolades from the Odisha Sports Journalists’ Association.
His funeral rites took place at Nilakantheswar cremation ground with family, friends, and the sporting fraternity paying their respects.
Remembering a True Champion
Vijay Kumar Satpathy’s journey from a small-town club athlete to a national legend is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering commitment. His legacy goes beyond his medals — it lives on in the athletes he trained, the barriers he broke, and the spirit he embodied.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary sportsman, his impact on Indian weightlifting and sports as a whole remains unforgettable.