Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 3: Young and determined powerlifter Pooja Poojary from Saligrama has emerged as one of Karnataka’s most promising athletes, earning a place at the World Classic & Equipped Bench Press Championship in Warsaw, Poland, from May 23 to 31, 2026. As she prepares for this prestigious global event, Pooja is seeking financial support to cover the expenses involved.
Born on February 10, 2002, Pooja completed her primary education at Government Primary School, Badanidiyoor, her high school and PUC at Government PU College, Kemmannu, and her degree at Government First Grade College, Tenkanidiyur. Alongside academics, she nurtured a passion for sports that would later define her life.
Pooja began her powerlifting journey on May 1, 2022, at the age of 20, at RAW Fitness, Saligrama, under the guidance of coaches Roshan Devadiga and Mahesh Devadiga. What started as a personal challenge soon turned into a remarkable sporting career.
"I initially could barely lift 20 kg. Through discipline, consistency, and self-belief, I gradually improved. Powerlifting has taught me focus, perseverance, and goal-setting," Pooja said.
In just a few years, she has built an impressive record. She won bronze in the under 47 kg category with a total lift of 145 kg at the Mangalore University Powerlifting Championship in 2022 and repeated the bronze in the same category with a total of 230 kg in 2023.
She clinched gold in the under 47 kg category at the Dakshina Kannada Championship in 2023 with a total of 165 kg and silver in the same category at the Karnataka State Powerlifting Championship in 2023, lifting a total of 205 kg.
In bench press events, she won gold in the 52 kg category at the Karnataka State Bench Press Championship in 2023 with a total of 50 kg and followed it with a silver in 2024, lifting 52.5 kg.
Pooja made history at the Mangalore University Championship, winning gold and setting a new meet record (NMR) with a 135 kg squat and a 60 kg bench press, earning selection for the All India Inter-University Championship in Chennai.
In 2024, she won gold at the Karnataka State Classic Powerlifting Championship in the 63 kg category with a total lift of 242.5 kg and later topped the Karnataka State Championship in the 52 kg category with a total of 305 kg, qualifying for the Junior Nationals, where she placed sixth at Patiala, Punjab. She also won silver at the South Indian National Championship in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh.
At the Karnataka State Bench Press Championship in Thokkottu, Mangaluru, Pooja won two gold medals in the 47 kg category with a total lift of 102.5 kg, earning selection for Junior Nationals.
At the 2026 Junior National Bench Press Championship in Faridabad, Haryana, she competed in both classic and equipped categories, winning silver and bronze medals, which led to her selection for the World Championship in Poland.
Pooja credits her success to her family: her father late Kittu Poojary, mother Gulabi, sisters Sowmya and Poornima, and younger brother Prajwal, who have supported her throughout her journey.
Beyond powerlifting, she is also talented in dance, chende, yakshagana, kabaddi and travelling, reflecting her versatile personality.
Currently focused on training, Pooja is exploring professional opportunities in powerlifting and strength training, aiming to contribute as a coach and athlete mentor.
With her discipline, determination, and growing list of achievements, Pooja stands as a role model for aspiring athletes and a proud representative of coastal Karnataka on the global stage.
Those wishing to support Pooja financially for her participation in the World Championship in Poland may contact her at:
Mobile: 9141162590.
Email: poojarypoojapoo10@gmail.com.
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