Passions plea from powerlifter after comeback

A powerlifter who came back to the sport after recovering from a serious injury is encouraging anyone to follow their passions after his success at a world championship.

Bally Cheema, 37, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, finished eighth in the championship event in Rome where he lifted 225kg.

The competition also marked his return to the international stage after nearly 18 years and he wanted to prove to other athletes that he still "belonged at that level".

"This journey was never just about lifting. It's been powered by love, belief, and the people beside me," he posted on Instagram.

Mr Cheema had been lifting for more than a decade when a serious injury to his pectoral muscle meant he had to give up the sport about seven years ago.

He said his mental health declined as a result and he only decided to get help because his wife noticed him change.

"As a powerlifter and especially in the Asian community, there's always a stigma around men talking around mental health and struggling," he said.

After making his comeback, he was encouraged to share his story on social media and through his podcast, Lift Your Life, explaining it was OK for men to talk.

"I always end up dragging myself back into [powerlifting], it's been really good for me especially on a mental side of things. It just gives me that mindset and goal," he said.

Mr Cheema encouraged people to always follow their passions and goals.

He spent more than 12 hours at the event in June with more than 200 lifters which Mr Cheema said was an "honour".

He also helped raised more than £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support as he dedicated the championships to everyone affected by cancer.

"Every lift I make is in support of those fighting harder battles every day," he said.

He has also now qualified for the European Championships in Lincolnshire in September.

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