In Memory of a true world champion :Rup Karki

The sudden and untimely passing away of Mr. Rup Karki came as a great shock- it was so unexpected. He was only 52. His loved ones, friends, admirers and sports aficionados have been left shattered and devastated by the tragedy.

Late Mr. Kark left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, sympathy and condolences, which is a testament to his popularity.

He carried a domineering,imposing personality and stood out from the crowd. He was a sturdy, muscular and broad-shouldered man full of energy and strength, a prerequisite for powerlifting, which he developed over a period of time. In other words, he was an epitome of strength and power.

In the words of his circle of close friends, acquaintances and peers, he was soft-spoken, invariably courteous, adaptable, magnanimous, lively, buoyant, a true family man, a tremendous athlete, a social activist and a person with a very big heart. He was one of the Co-chairs of NRNA Sports Committee USA as well.

Sad to say, I never had the privilege of knowing him, and I did not have a shred of information about him. As someone like me who has been an avid sports enthusiast, following Nepali sports and athletes, how  could I not know a thing about him? On top of that, he lived in Chantilly, Virginia, only 20 minute drive from where I live. 

Admittedly, I regret not knowing him. Without wasting any time, I immediately went into research mode hoping to obtain as much information as possible on him in order to dedicate this write-up to him. l concluded that highlighting his career and   unprecedented achievements would be the most appropriate thing to do.

As I browsed through countless news websites and video footages, I realized there was no dearth of information much to my amazement. I was absolutely inundated with the vast amount of information available, as a matter of fact. 

 

I was in awe of his achievements, athletic prowess and professionalism. Initially, I could not believe what I read and saw, and I got literally blown away by his extraordinary feat.

The way he mastered the craft of powerlifting (offshoot of weightlifting) was inconceivable and exemplary. Overcoming obstacles and challenges, he willed himself into greatness and put Nepal on the  international sports map.

 

Late Karki came to the United States through the Diversity Visa lottery program in the early 2000. Nothing held him back on fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a world class powerlifter. 

He had all the confidence in the world, believed in himself and dreamt big. In the “Land of Opportunity” he saw opportunities to fulfill his long cherished dream. His early years in the United States were a struggle. In one of the interviews, he spoke about facing challenges and problems of all sorts. 

He had to take care of his family and all the expenses incurred for training. Despite everything, he was hell bent on his mission. He worked different jobs and put in a whole lot of efforts to make ends meet. Later he established himself as a successful entrepreneur.

Although he had a mountain to climb, he never once thought of quitting the sport he had been passionate about his entire life. Instead he was more determined than ever and prepared to go above and beyond to attain success. 

Let me stress this point again, his passion and love for the sport, coupled with rock solid determination, commitment, perseverance, drive, discipline and hard work kept him going. His decades of effort, sacrifice and endeavor paid off in the end.

He undertook four years of vigorous training (four to five hours every day) before starting his competitive career in 2012. 

As a 12 year old, he was ambitious and developed a fascination for strength sport. Interestingly, in the same interview he said as a growing boy he was very energetic and extra strong, and he believed strength was in his genes, which he inherited from his maternal uncle.

 

He said his uncle possessed incredible strength and his family members claimed to remember him killing a bear with his bare hands. Never in my wildest imagination did I think that Galkot, Baglung born and resident of Tilottama, Rupandehi, Bhairawa, Mr. Karki would attain such monumental success on his own.

He overcame all odds stacked against him to become a world class powerlifter. His success was no fluke. He  broke new ground, becoming the first Nepali with a record shattering lift to win the title of world champion twice in different age groups. Never mind, he competed for the United States. Evidently, he devoted and sacrificed his whole life to powerlifting.

Prior to that, after he kick-started his professional career in earnest in 2012, he made an immediate impact. His talent was in full display, and he proved what he was capable of doing.

From 2012 to 2019 he competed in multiple world class competitions in Virginia with great success. Not only did he make a name for himself but won hearts and minds of fellow competitors and the powerlifting community.

2017 and 2019 were career-defining moments for him. In 2017 in the IPL Drug Tested World Powerlifting Championship held in Atlanta, Georgia he competed in the 45-49 age group. In a display of unbelievable strength and power he totaled a staggering 615. He beat a highly competitive field to win his first world champion crown, it was a dream come true.

Two years later (2019) in Limerick, Ireland he repeated the feat in the same championship in the 50-54 age category. Again he stood out with a sterling  performance. He accumulated an astonishing winning total of 607, earning him the world champion title for the second time.

The success showcased his true talent to the world. He  was dominant and was unbeatable in his weight and age group. Such was his domination that he stood nine  times first, two times second and one time third in  different championships.

His personal best total was 640 kg lift (combining squat+bench+deadlift) in the Virginia Fall finale in 2020, which earned him the top position. Coincidentally, the championship turned out to be his last, following his tragic passing.

Mr. Karki was fully devoted and committed to the development of powerlifting in Nepal and had big plans for the sport. He was razor focused on his mission and dedicated to identifying, nurturing talents into world class powerlifters. He was very active in promoting and popularizing the sport. 

He emphasized the need for institutionalization of the sport at the highest level for its all round development and growth and to support, train and shape aspiring  talented powerlifters into world champions. 

He saw great potential, talent and future in Nepali powerlifters. With the right kind of environment, infrastructure, facilities, training, support, positive frame of mind, discipline, dedication and opportunities, he truly believed talents in Nepal could climb up the stairs to achieve success and surpass his achievements. 

Mr. Karki moved to Nepal with the sole objective to give continuation to his mission. He held powerlifting training, workshops, clinics and seminars for trainers and athletes of all ages.

He trained and taught upcoming youngsters the finer points of the sport. He assisted them in every way to motivate and inspire them. At the time of his death, he was preparing and training athletes for the upcoming National Championship in Nepal and the World Championship in Moscow, Russia. He will always be a perennial source of inspiration for athletes. 

Mr. Karki ‘s son Rupesh Karki, a talent powerhouse is an upcoming powerlifter. He has stepped into his father’s shoes and hopes to continue his legacy. His wife, son, daughter, relatives and friends should be  extremely proud of his achievements and legacy.

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it takes great effort to fill the void left by him. He leaves an unfinished dream and vision, and we must work to fulfill no matter what. 

There is no better way to recognize and honour the world champion than by fulfilling his dream.

Mr. Karki will  forever remain as a true champion in our memories and hearts.