Middlesex academic to coach Team England weightlifting squad at Commonwealth Games

Lecturer says building a thriving community club is as rewarding as coaching elite athletes

Picture shows Kieran Stiles, Dr Shyam Chavda and Cyrille Tchatchet II 

A Middlesex University sports lecturer has been selected as one of Team England's weightlifting coaches for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which begin in Glasgow today (Thursday 23 July).

Dr Shyam Chavda, Programme Lead for the MSc Strength and Conditioning (Distance Education), brings extensive international experience to the role, having coached at the Tokyo Olympic Games as well as multiple World and European Championships.

Among the athletes Shyam will coach are Middlesex University alumna and former British champion Cyrille Tchatchet II and current British champion Kieran Stiles. Both train at the MDX Weightlifting, a now community-based weightlifting club Shyam established at Middlesex University almost 15 years ago, bringing together students, alumni and local residents.

Alongside coaching athletes to national titles, international medals and record-breaking performances, Shyam says creating a welcoming weightlifting community has been one of the highlights of his coaching career.

He said: "It's been incredibly rewarding to coach athletes such as Cyrille and Kieran (among others). Seeing them progress over the years and represent Team England has been a privilege, and it's equally rewarding to see them continue to give back to the club and support other members.

Developing a community weightlifting club that extends beyond the University and brings people from across North London together to train is one of my greatest achievements. The club has created an environment where members support one another while developing resilience, commitment and confidence. Its success is a testament to that culture and the high standard of coaching provided by the wider coaching team, which include other LSI staff members and alumni."

The club includes a competitive programme for athletes aiming to compete nationally and internationally, alongside recreational sessions for people who simply enjoy weightlifting as a hobby, with ambitions to provide youth strength sessions. 

Shyam has coached Cyrille for more than a decade, supporting him from domestic competitions through to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he represented the Refugee Olympic Team before later competing for Great Britain and Team England.

“We [Shyam and I] have shared some incredible memories together. What I value most is his coaching philosophy. He empowers me to take an active role in my training and development, and this has led to some great success, like competing at the Olympics. 

I feel very fortunate to have Shyam as part of Team England coaching staff. Having someone who has coached me for so long at this event is invaluable and provides a level of trust and understanding difficult to put into words. My weightlifting career was revived at Middlesex University, and I’m thankful for the environment and support the team has given me.”

Cyrille Tchatchet II

Shyam has also worked closely with Kieran throughout the years supporting him to his first international appearance at the European Championships earlier this year, culminating in selection for his first Commonwealth Games.

“Shyam and MDX weightlifting have been incredibly supportive throughout my years. I’m grateful for being able to train in an enjoyable environment with a high standard of coaching and facilities. I look forward to my first [Commonwealth] Games.”

Shyam was selected as one of three Team England weightlifting coaches because of his experience and understanding of the sport.

He said: "Our role starts well before competition day. We work closely with athletes on their training, preparation and performance planning, considering everything from warm-up routines to different competition scenarios.

During competition, the coaching team works collaboratively, with coaches taking on athlete-facing, strategic and coordinating roles. This approach ensures every athlete receives the best possible support to maximise their performance and achieve the highest possible placing."

Alongside his Commonwealth Games role, Shyam is an Adjunct Technical Lead for Performance Science within British Weightlifting's World Class Programme, supporting preparations towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. At Middlesex University, he brings that elite experience into his teaching, research and management of the University's weightlifting squad. 

Chris Bishop, Interim Head of the London Sport Institute, said: "We're delighted that Shyam has once again been selected to coach at the highest level of international sport. His achievements reflect the London Sport Institute's commitment to combining world-class teaching with elite sporting practice, giving students direct access to staff operating at the very highest level."

Team England will compete with seven men and eight women across the weightlifting programme. You can access the schedule on the British Weight Lifting (BWL) Commonwealth Games website.

If you are interested in learning weightlifting, or want to go to the next level reach out on Instagram @mdx_weightlifting or via email mdxweightlifting@gmail.com.