Niharika Choudhary
Shillong, June 20: What began as a chance encounter with a kettlebell at a gym in Guwahati has transformed into a remarkable sporting journey for Shillong-based athlete Sandeep Sharma, who recently won a gold medal at the World Kettlebell Championship in Moldova.
Sharma, a seasoned kettlebell athlete, created history by winning a gold medal for India at the Kettlebell World Championship 2026 held in Chisinau, Moldova, from June 4 to 7, 2026. Competing in the 24kg Snatch Half Marathon event in the 74kg to 87kg+ bodyweight category, Sharma produced a remarkable performance, completing 300 repetitions in 30 minutes to secure the top spot on the podium. He had has earlier represented India at international competitions in Hungary (2023), Poland (2024), Italy (2025), securing bronze medals in Hungary and Poland.
Before discovering kettlebells, Sharma was actively involved in swimming, bodybuilding and cricket. A former state champion swimmer in the 50-metre event, he turned to kettlebell training after a swimming pool closure interrupted his routine. During a visit to a friend’s gym in Guwahati, he was introduced to kettlebell exercises. Although initially discouraged by the intensity of the workouts, he later purchased an 8 kg kettlebell and began training independently. The results, he said, were noticeable within a few sessions, prompting him to dedicate himself fully to the discipline.
Speaking about the sport, Sharma described kettlebell lifting as a discipline that combines strength, cardio and endurance in a single workout. Originating in Russia, the sport has gained popularity globally and has gradually been growing in India over the past several years. Unlike conventional gym training, he said, kettlebell workouts require minimal equipment and space while offering a comprehensive fitness regimen.
In the early years, one of his biggest challenges was the lack of qualified coaches in Shillong. Unable to travel regularly to Guwahati for training, Sharma turned to the internet to continue learning. He spent countless hours studying instructional videos, particularly those of renowned American kettlebell coach Steve Cotter, using online resources to refine his technique and expand his knowledge of the sport. Through self-learning, determination and consistent practice, he developed the skills that would eventually take him to international competitions and a world championship title.
According to Sharma, kettlebell training is suitable for people of all age groups. While children as young as six and seven years old have begun learning the sport, he has also trained individuals in their sixties. He believes Meghalaya possesses immense untapped potential and that the state could produce future national and world champions if young athletes are given the right opportunities and support.
Sharma has been actively promoting the sport across Meghalaya. He informed that KC Secondary School has incorporated kettlebell training into their physical training programme, making it the first school in India to introduce the discipline as part of its PT curriculum. Sharma introduced the sport to the school’s principal, Brian Wallang, who began training with kettlebells in his late fifties and has steadily progressed to lifting heavier weights.
He noted that many local children have shown exceptional progress in training, with several already developing the strength and endurance required to compete at higher levels. Sharma attributes this to their active lifestyle, strong work ethics and backgrounds in farming communities. With sustained training and exposure, he believes the next world champion in the sport could emerge from Meghalaya.
Sharma also acknowledged the support extended by the Meghalaya government, especially in assisting athletes participate in international competitions and helping create greater awareness about lesser-known sports. He said such encouragement is vital for the growth of emerging disciplines like kettlebell sport and can inspire more young people to take up the activity.
Sharing a message for aspiring athletes, Sharma stressed the importance of perseverance and discipline. “Just be consistent. If you’re consistent, results will come. I’ve seen it myself,” he said, pointing to the progress of several athletes who have steadily advanced from lifting lighter kettlebells to handling much heavier weights through regular training.
As the sport continues to gain momentum in the region, Sharma remains optimistic about the future of Meghalaya’s kettlebell community. With a growing team that has been training consistently for the past three to four years, he believes the state can achieve significant success at both national and world-level competitions.
