He Lost Both Legs and an Arm: What This Pune Man Did Next Will Leave You Speechless
He Lost Both Legs and an Arm: What This Pune Man Did Next Will Leave You Speechless
Suraj Gaywal, a 25-year-old triple amputee bodybuilder from Pune, has been honoured with the prestigious Lokmat Youth Icon Award 2025, recognising his inspiring journey and influence across India.
Gaywal, who lost both legs and one arm in an electric shock accident in 2016, has since defied all odds to emerge as a celebrated bodybuilder and motivational figure. Despite the physical and financial setbacks, he competed in national and international bodybuilding events including Sheru Classic 2022, Mr India 2022, and Mr Universe 2022.
Reacting to the award on Instagram, where he has over 800 K followers, Gaywal shared an emotional post: “Aaj jo mere haathon mein award hai… wo sirf ek award nahi hai. Yeh meri kahani ka sabse gehra hissa hai… jahan maine dard ko apna fuel banaya.” He dedicated the award to all amputees who continue to fight silently, adding, “Main woh ladka hoon jiske paas na pair the, na haath tha… par iraade the.”
Before gaining recognition in the fitness world, Gaywal worked as a Zomato food delivery agent, often battling intense pain and financial stress. “Mujhe yaad hai wo din… jab body mein dard tha, jeb mein paisa nahi tha… lekin sapne itne bade the ki dar lagta tha…” he recalled. Today, his story resonates far beyond fitness. “Main zinda hoon… sirf saans lene ke liye nahi… balki ek nayi soch banane ke liye,” he stated, echoing the sentiment of thousands who find courage through his journey.
Who is Suraj Gaywal?
Suraj Gaywal is a 25-year-old bodybuilder from Pune who has defied all odds to carve a name for himself in the fitness world. In 2016, at the age of 16, Suraj lost both legs and one arm in a tragic electric shock incident. What could have been the end of his ambitions instead became a turning point. With an iron will and relentless dedication, he trained rigorously to enter the world of professional bodybuilding, a space where individuals with physical disabilities are rarely seen. Over the years, he has competed in major contests like Sheru Classic, Mr India, and Mr Universe, becoming a symbol of resilience and grit.
His Struggles
Suraj’s journey was anything but easy. After his accident, he had to battle not only the physical limitations that came with amputation but also the social stigma and financial hardships. There were days when he worked as a food delivery agent, struggling to make ends meet while nurturing his dream of becoming a bodybuilder. In a powerful Instagram post, he recalled days of pain and poverty but emphasized how his dreams were bigger than his fears. His story, from being labeled “bechara” to being hailed as an inspiration, stands as a powerful reminder of what sheer willpower can achieve.
