At 18 years old, powerlifter Eshwar Evan Dmitry Klokol is rapidly making a name for himself in the regional powerlifting scene, with ambitions to compete on the global stage. In May 2026, he secured two gold medals and claimed the overall men’s Classic 93kg Sub-Junior title at the Asian Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships held in Hainan, China.

Eshwar’s total lift of 672.5 kilograms across the squat, bench press, and deadlift disciplines earned him the top spot, surpassing competitors including Russia’s Aleksei Terin and Singapore’s Aiden Choy. His deadlift of 290 kilograms was the heaviest in the Junior division, reflecting his significant progress since he first began training at age 13 under the guidance of his father.

Originally from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Eshwar is of mixed Indian and Ukrainian descent. Encouraged by his family and a professional coach, he debuted competitively in 2024 at the Johor Powerlifting Open Vol. II in Johor Baru, where he emerged as the overall champion. Since then, his performance has steadily improved, with his combined personal best in the three core powerlifting disciplines reaching 682.5 kilograms.

Powerlifting, according to Eshwar, extends beyond physical strength. He emphasizes the sport’s role in fostering discipline and a healthy lifestyle. Addressing common misconceptions, he pointed out that rigorous drug testing is standard at competitions, countering any claims that his achievements are drug-assisted.

The sport’s financial demands, however, pose ongoing challenges. Eshwar’s family supports his training regimen and related expenses, investing approximately RM3,500 per month on diet, gym access, and competitions. Although Eshwar currently trains without sponsorship, he benefits from a 25% tuition fee discount as a state athlete while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University.

His support network is extensive, with his parents—both medical professionals—siblings, maternal aunts, and grandparents playing key roles in his development. Eshwar credits his aunts for helping raise him while his parents were stationed away for work. Upon returning from his recent competition in China, he was welcomed at the airport by family members displaying banners in celebration of his success.

Looking ahead, Eshwar aims to participate in the Sheffield Powerlifting Championships in the United Kingdom, a prestigious event that hosts some of the world’s strongest powerlifters. He hopes increased recognition of his sport will open opportunities for sponsorships, enabling him to compete at higher levels internationally and continue progressing in his athletic career.