Naba Kumar Pan had made headlines way back in 1985 when he broke British Indian weightlifter, Joe Aleck’s record of 213 kg by lifting 253 kg. The weightlifter had lifted 113 kg in snatch and 140 kg in clean and jerk events. He had achieved this feat at the state weightlifting championships held in Andul. Naba Kumar was, at that time, performing in the 75 kg category. This was the best phase of his sports career, when he was playing for the Services on behalf of Indian Navy. 

Later, Naba Kumar had also trained some young weightlifters at his club, Jagachha Byayam Samity, where he had once trained. Today, he must take it light after a ligament surgery last year caused by an injury in his back several years ago. However, Naba Kumar is still enthusiastic and is hoping to jump back once the doctor allows him to do so. Although he might not be able to lift heavy weights, Naba Kumar can, at least train youngsters.

Naba Kumar’s first guru in weightlifting was Aloke Mukherjee, who trained at Jagachha Byayam Samity. “While I was training at Jagachha Byayam Samity, my coach told me to take part in the district championships,” said Naba Kumar. His first appearance at the district championship was in 1970, within a year of training at Jagachha Byayam Samity. That year, Naba Kumar was Howrah district champion. After that he went on to participate at state  and national level competitions. 

A consistent performer at championships, Naba Kumar, decided to go to Olympian Lakshmikanta Das for higher training. 

“I trained at Lakshmikanta Das’s gym and he helped me get a job in the Indian Navy,” said Naba Kumar. While working with the Indian Navy, Pan was also a champion in Services from 1976-82. At that time, he trained under India coach, PS Sandhu. At the national level competitions, Pan always came second or third. He was also a member of the Asian Games team from India in 1982. 

“I was at the height of my weightlifting career at that time. When I was in the Services and participated in national games, I would perform in the 67.5 kg category,” said Naba Kumar. To maintain this weight, Naba Kumar had to have a sufficient diet that included eggs and meat. “Right after his marriage, my youngest brother, Deben’s, wife was shocked to see that I ate eight eggs together. She had boiled all the eggs and was distributing them among the family members when I told her that all of those were mine,” laughed Naba Kumar. 

Although Naba Kumar’s interest in weightlifting was aroused while watching seniors practise at Jagachha Byayam Samity, he has inspired others in his family to follow in his footsteps. His two other brothers were also weightlifters. Deben, the youngest, had also participated in state and national level competitions. In 1983, Naba Kumar joined South Eastern Railways, and was actively participating in national level championships as well. 

After 1989, Naba Kumar gradually stepped aside but had trained many youngsters in weightlifting. However, in recent years, Pan feels that there are fewer youngsters taking interest in this sport. “There is severe lack of infrastructure at the gyms and clubs in Howrah. When Bengal weightlifters go to practise or participate in competitions held in other states or countries, they are way behind because they do not have the best training facilities like the other weightlifters from other states have,” said Naba Kumar.

MORE ABOUT NABA KUMAR

• DoB: June 21, 1953
• Born in: Howrah
• Education: Higher Secondary
• Family: Joint family
• Loves: Sports
• Hates: Back biting