Vijai Rahim – Breaking barriers in a strong man’s sport

When one hears of the sport of powerlifting, the mind would readily piece together a strong and domineering figure on stage, pumping the weights in an intimidating way and brushing aside all and sundry in his or her path.
But in today’s world one’s physical strength has to be matched by the mental fortitude and a high level of discipline in order to succeed, let alone consistently dominate one’s opposition.
Fitting the bill in this regard is 23 year-old Vijai Rahim, who hails from Rosignol, Berbice and is the three-time reigning Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Senior National Overall Best Lifter, having last won in 2014.
The modest Rahim, a member of the Hardcore Gym, who is in his final year as a junior competitor, is employed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation Blairmont Estate as a Security Guard and is one of the most disciplined athletes you will ever encounter.
His dedication and commitment has resulted in him being the National Best Lifter whilst also the holder of national records in the 66kg category in the Squat, Dead Lift and Total.
Not much of a talker, Rahim insists that he takes part in the sports for fun and wants to be the best lifter pound for pound in Guyana. Having already cracked the 600lb dead lift mark, the Guyana and Berbice strongman is aiming to go beyond this in 2015.
He is aiming to close out competing as a junior athlete later this year at the World Sub-Junior and Junior Championships, August 31 – September 6, 2015 in Prague, Czech Republic.
The current Commonwealth Dead Lift record holder in the 59kg category achieving 225kg in the United States Virgin Islands on March 30, 2012, has been active in the sport for the past ten years, competing for nine.
His first international competition was on home soil when the GAPF hosted the Caribbean Championships, March 18-20, 2010 where he won gold medal. Next in line for Rahim was the Caribbean Championships in the USVI, March 29-31, 2102 where he again turned in a gold medal performance.
This was followed up by another gold medal display at the 14th Pan American and 7th Caribbean Powerlifting Championship in Orlando, Florida, July 2013. With age and maturity, Rahim’s aim is to continue turning in record breaking performances and to be the best in the Caribbean and World.
Rahim’s exploits have also contributed to his Gym with the Best Gym accolade from the GAPF at the 2014 seniors.
His current National Records in the Men’s Junior National and Men’s Open Categories are: Squat 250kg, Dead Lift 250kg, Total 627.5kg.
He has already been on a provisional list of athletes that will represent the GAPF at International competitions in 2015. First up for Rahim this year will be the inaugural GAPF Three Lift Equipped Champion of Champions Championships set for May 1.