DR RUSHIKESH Malave, diagnosed with Haemophilia-A — a genetic deficiency of Factor VIII at two years of age, is now a dominant force in strength sports, especially in strengthlifting, powerlifting and para-arm wrestling winning several medals at State and National events. With willpower, discipline and regular, structured exercise, Dr Malave transformed personal adversity into national sporting excellence and professional distinction. “My childhood was marked by repeated internal bleeding episodes, particularly in the knees and ankles. By nine, frequent joint bleeds left me physically disabled. I was admitted to KEM Hospital, Mumbai, where doctors declared the joint damage permanent, informing my family that I might never walk again. “Instead of a cure, I was given a wheelchair and a disability certificate.

 

“Yet, destiny took a decisive turn when Dr Kirti Kene Patil introduced a single ray of hope — regular, structured exercise. With no trained professionals or scientific guidance available at my hometown Pusad, I began carefully experimenting on my own body. Some attempts failed, many caused setbacks, but each experience became a lesson. Over the next 11 years of relentless discipline, exercise slowly restored my mobility,” said Dr Malave, who bagged a gold at 25th Maharashtra State Strengthlifting & Incline Bench Press Championship at Gangtok, Sikkim recently. His other top achievements of last year include — gold medal at Nagpur District Powerlifting (Bench Press) Championship; gold medal at 2nd Western India Strengthlifting & Incline Bench Press Championships; silver medal (left-hand para) and a bronze (right-hand para) at National Arm Wrestling Championship in Thrissur, Kerala. Dr Malave has a rare blend of athletic achievement and medical expertise.

 

With a degree in Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Diploma in Yoga, Naturopathy & Dietetics and a Diploma in Pharmacy, he has been officially appointed in a Dual Role as ‘Fitness Coach and Sports Physiotherapist’ in medical teams of— Maharashtra Strengthlifting Association and United Powerlifting India. Dr Malave is also an NPTEL ‘Superstar’ — a distinction awarded by the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, an initiative of the IITs and IISc, Government of India, in recognition of exceptional academic performance across multiple certified online courses. He actively works to educate families, patients and medical practitioners on the role of Factor VIII therapy combined with structured exercise.

 

On his long journey, many people have helped him in different ways and Dr Malave wants to acknowledge their support and encouragement. “I take this opportunity to thank India’s renowned bodybuilding icon Sangram Chougule; Bharat Vyayam Shala’s Shrimant Shri Raje Mudhoji Bhosale and Chandrashekhar Jadhav; Krida Maharshi Hemant Dongaonkar and Dr Shrikant Warankar,” Dr Malave signed off. n