Spotlight

Raghbir Singh Dhaliwal: For the Love of Weightlifting

By Shanel Khaliq, 13 Apr, 2018

A machine operator at a local sawmill by day and a weightlifter by heart, Dhaliwal has been competing in the sport for the past 40 years.

The key to a long-lasting and satisfying life is passion. No matter the age, passion for work, an activity or even a prominent goal is what keeps one going. It is this passion for weightlifting that has motivated 65-year-old Raghbir Singh Dhaliwal to be an active participant of the sport and win recognition and awards over the years.

A machine operator at a local sawmill by day and a weightlifter by heart, Dhaliwal has been competing in the sport for the past 40 years. Though he wanted to learn weightlifting quite early on in his life, there weren’t many opportunities to do so in his hometown of Dhaliwal, in Punjab, India. So, when he immigrated to Canada and settled in Port Alberni, BC, in 1972, his passion found the opportunities it had been waiting for.

“When I came to Port Alberni I saw a picture of Rashpal Singh Rai and Jodhi Singh Rai in the local newspaper after a competition that they had lifted in. I got a hold of them and started lifting and have not looked back every since,” shares Dhaliwal who competes at championships in the 69 kg class.

Rashpal Singh Rai has been Dhaliwal’s inspiration and a pillar of support throughout his journey. Dhaliwal has therefore been organizing Rashpal’s memorial meet for over 20 years, which has now become one of BC’s biggest meets. Dhaliwal has won numerous BC Championships and placed second at the North American Masters Games. Back in 2007, he competed and won a medal for Canada at the Pan American Masters Championships in Texas, USA. The same year, Dhaliwal also competed in Kelowna and won the BC Championships in the same class that he had won 20 years ago. This win has been a memorable competition for the BC weightlifter because on the last minute he made weight, and on the Clean and Jerk, he ended up winning.

The latest in Dhaliwal’s long list of achievements is the 2018 BC Masters Championships in which he ranked number one and qualified for the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Spain in August later this year. The dedicated weightlifter also set a new Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total BC Record where he lifted a total of 112 kg.

Despite the wins, the renowned weightlifter recounts that it was not easy to get to this success point. Initially when Dhaliwal immigrated to the country, he faced a lot of family pressure to focus on work and job security – a path that is traditionally seen as the only way to settle in for an immigrant. But Dhaliwal knew he was not going to let go of the opportunities that Canada offered him. So he made sure he utilized the 24 hours of each day well and was determined to not only work full-time but also lift full-time.

Beyond fulfilling his passion for weightlifting, Dhaliwal’s other goal was to train those who want to follow in his footsteps. He now runs the EMS Weightlifting Club where he has coached many weightlifting enthusiasts who have gone ahead to compete nationally and internationally.

Currently, Dhaliwal has his eyes set on the World Masters Championship in Spain, and he hopes to bring a medal home for Canada. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

Prev Next

MORE Spotlight ARTICLES

The Modern Indian Apron: Preena Chauhan

Indian Cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines across the globe. With thousands of Indian restaurants popping up across the map and more people being introduced to India’s cuisine, the appeal of curry is being compared to pizza. Indian cooking classes, culinary schools, and cookbooks are going mainstream

Taking Command - Lieutenant-Colonel Harjit Singh Sajjan

History keeps a record of ‘the firsts’ – the first person to walk on the moon, the first person to climb Mt. Everest, the first person to invent electricity and so forth. So rightfully so, Lieutenant Colonel Harjit Singh Sajjan’s name will be remembered in Canadian history as the first Sikh to take command of an army regiment.

Sandy Sidhu: Acting’s Newest ‘It Girl’

Well who is this Sandy Sidhu? She is a bona fide breakout actress, who happens to be South Asian. Witty (if you know me – you know I appreciate this quality), easy on the eyes, grateful for every opportunity, and above all very optimistic.

Gary Mangat: On the road to the UFC

During my short interview with Gary, I found out it is not about testosterone, aggression, and brute strength, but a mental sport, or how Gary puts it “A Human Chess Match.” Gary noted several times, “When you enter the cage, your mind must be clear, all emotions and attachments must be left behind. The brain is a superior muscle being put into play, in cohesion with the body when trying to win over your advesary.”

OVERCOMING HURDLES - RAM GILL

Ram Gill is a living breathing example of the long time saying, “behind every man’s success there is a woman.” Although body building had always been a sport that intrigued Ram, his wife, Kuldip is the true lady luck behind his success. Fed up with Ram’s lifestyle, which consisted of mostly drinking, hanging out with friends and a little more drinking, Instead of criticizing she encouraged Ram to pursue his lifelong dream of body building.

Dave Mann: 'Mann'kind Philanthropy

Dave Mann, a lower mainland entrepreneur, has established a non-profit organization called Mannkind Charitable Society (MKCS). This non-profit organization’s mission is to make the world a better place. In order to transform our global societies into liveable spaces for all, MKCS is involved with helping the environment and less fortunate children around the world.