Birth: 6 Dec 1999, Banke
Death: 10 May 2022, Lalitpur 

Sanju Chaudhary, who made history by becoming the only female weightlifter to win a gold medal at the 13th South Asian Games (SAG), died aged 22 from of an apparent suicide. 

Born and raised in Nepalgunj of Banke district, Chaudhary began her athletic career as a cricketer when she was selected in the Region 5 Nepalgunj Cricket Team. She became a professional weightlifter only in 2016 and represented Nepal at the 24th Asian Junior and Youth Championship held in Kathmandu in 2017. 

Chaudhary’s coach Sanjay Maharjan remembers her as a talented athlete with a great potential. 

“She was obedient and trained hard. She didn’t talk much but you could see that she was very determined,” says Maharjan. 

That hard work of hers paid off when she won gold medal at the 13th SAG. She had previously won various medals and set national weightlifting records as well.   

Besides being a national level athlete, Chaudhary was also a police officer.

“She was loved by her friends, fellow athletes, colleagues and trainers,” says Tikamaya Gurung, a fellow weightlifter, friend and police colleague. “I never thought we would lose her this way.” 

Gurung and Chaudhary became friends when they competed in the 24th Asian Junior and Youth Championship.  

“She was quick at making friends but not much of a talker. There were times when she seemed upset, but she never talked about it,” says Gurung.  “She will be sorely missed.” 

Chaudhary had come to Kathmandu for the qualifiers of the 19th Asian Games, which took place on April 30. After being selected in the qualifiers, she had been living at Maharjan’s house in Lubhu, Lalitpur for training. 

Maharjan says nothing seemed out of the ordinary with Chaudhary the day before her death. She had participated in a gathering with fellow athletes and trainers at Maharjan’s house. The next morning she had a morning training session at Satdobato.

“We have lost a promising talent who still had a lot to win and give to this country,” says Maharjan. “She will always be remembered for her achievements in the field of weightlifting.” 

Chaudhary was found dead at Maharjan’s house on the morning of May 10. She is survived by her parents and two siblings.