Usman Amjad Rathore born on the 10th of January 1987 in Punjab, Gujranwala is an extremely down-to-earth super successful weightlifter. His name has been a pride for Pakistan. We got to know more about him in this interview!
Mr Rathore was introduced to weightlifting by his father who was himself an international weightlifter. “He encouraged me and turned me towards weightlifting, I was initially a wrestler”, says Mr Rathore.
“Olympic game is the biggest sports even in the world and right after that comes Common Wealth Games. I was the flag bearer for Pakistan in the opening ceremony of Common Wealth Games 2018 which was held in Australia. That was an extremely proud moment for me”, he went on to explain to us how it felt being on such a high pedestal representing his country.
Usman Amjad Rathore represented Pakistan in the year 2018’s Common Wealth Games and prior to that he had already won silver medal in weightlifting in Common Wealth Games which was held in the year 2015 in Pune, India. “I cant describe the feeling in simple words.
It is a very exhilarating feeling to be able to represent your own country on such a profound international stage. Only a sportsman is able to wave his flag higher than other countries’ flags when he wins something on an international platform. The flag of his country shines around the world with his medal. No super power is able to do something so profound, only a sportsman has this particular ability.”
As a professional sportsmen, Mr Rathore follows an extremely rigorous fitness routine and we were intrigued to know what it exactly is. He went on to tell us that every day from 10 am to 12 noon he has his morning training session and then another session of the day at 5pm to 9pm. He has to train 9 times a week which includes his daily muscle stretching. He needs to have one rehabilitation massage session every week. The intensity of his sessions depend on which phase of training he is on, whether he is just training or preparing for competition.
When it comes to a fitness enthusiast, it is imperative we find out what food is their favorite and guess what Mr Rathore told us? He doesn’t crave junk food! His favorite meal is grilled beef! (there’s a reason behind his fitness)! “Beef has the highest protein and so I have to say my favorite meal would include grilled beef. Weightlifters need to watch our carbs, vitamins and proteins. We need to ensure we take in all the required nutrients every single day. Fresh vegetables and fresh fruits are extremely important and so are a part of our daily life. Protein and carbs are consumed right after our training sessions. We avoid oily food, junk food and desserts. Grilled and BBQ food is usually what we end up eating and can essentially eat.”
We asked Mr Rathore some important facts he would like to emphasize upon for all of us and this is what he had to say: “ It is important for every single individual to train, it doesn’t only have to be a part of your routine if you are a sportsman. In order to remain internally fit we all need to exercise. I emphasise that everyone must train, to look and feel good from inside. A good night’s sleep is extremely important as well.” These are the two most important things in life that we all must carefully look into.
Mr Rathore got intrigued by Tiktok last year and decided to make a few days, something that started as a way to entertain his free time led to more fame and lots of fan following! His videos shed light on issues persistent in our society as well as his love for poetry.
A message for future athletes:
“Keep a good temperament. No one wins anything over night. You must work persistently and consistently. You must sacrifice your desires and keep in mind that there is a tunnel you need to cross patiently. You need to give up on a lot of things in order to want to become a champion in sports. You will need to focus all your energies on your passion. Hard work always pays off, don’t sit and sulk but rather get up and work harder. People put in years of hard work before they achieve anything so don’t think it’s an easy thing.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@usmanrathore?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/rathoreusman/?igshid=smmove1c60fj
Punjab Gujranawala by birth
Weightlifting as his dad is also, international player.
Sports career he encouraged me
I was in wrestling and eventually switched towards weightlifting
Olympic game is the biggest and then the second largest event is common wealth games. Flag bearer of Pakistan in the opening ceremony of common wealth 2018 held in Australia.
Common Wealth championship in Pune India in 2015 silver medal holder, a very proud moment in my life. It’s something that will always be a part of Pakistan’s history. Its a moment of pride that God selected me to partake in these games and made me reach the pinnacle. I cant describe this in words. It is a very exhilarating feeling to be able to represent your own country on such a profound international stage.
Only a sportsman is able to receive a gold medal, along with that medal, the flag of his country shines around the world. No super power is able to do something so profound, only a sportsman has this ability.
Daily fitness routine : 10 am to 12noon morning training session then 5 to 9pm. Once a week rehabilitation massage session. Daily stretching session. 9 sessions a week. Depending on which phase we are in, preparing for competition or training only.
Favourite meal = beef. Highest protein intake. Grilled beef. We need to watch our carbs, vitamins and proteins, need to ensure nutrients every day. Fresh vegetables and fresh fruits are extremely important. Protein and carbs are taken right after our training sessions. We avoid oily food, junk food and sweet stuff. Grilled and BBQ food is usually what we end up eating and can eat.
Healthy facts: a person who trains for fitness whether professionally or just to stay fit, it is important for every single individual. In order to remain internally fit. I emphasise that everyone must train, to look and feel good from inside. A good night’s sleep is extremely important as well.
Atheletes : Keep a good temperament. No one wins over night. You must work presistently and consistently. You must sacrifice your desires and there is a tunnel you need to cross patiently. You need to give up on a lot of things in order to want to become a champion in sports. You will need to focus all your energies on your passion. Hard work pays off, don’t sit and sulk. People put in years of hard work before they achieve anything.
