Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 5: Pradeep Kumar and Shalan Pinto made India proud by winning gold medals at the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship, held in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4.

Pradeep Kumar clinched gold in the 83 kg category, lifting an impressive 237.5 kg. His victory came after a tough contest with Tom Morgan from New South Wales, with Pradeep successfully clearing all his lifts to secure the top spot.

In the 47 kg category, Shalan Pinto also took home the gold, lifting 65 kg. In addition to her gold medal, she was awarded the ‘Best Lifter’ title. Shalan has been training under Pradeep Kumar at Kasharp Fitness.

Expressing his gratitude, Pradeep Kumar thanked the Karnataka Powerlifting Association for the opportunity, Kasharp Fitness for its world-class facilities, Balanjneya Gymnasium for their guidance from the start, and Team India for their unwavering support.

Shalan Pinto, daughter of the late Alexander Pinto and Lydia Irene Lobo from Yeyyadi, Mangaluru, has had a stellar year. Her selection for the 2024 Commonwealth Bench Press Championship followed a series of strong performances in key competitions. She secured first place in the 47 kg junior category at the National Bench Press Championship in Maharashtra in January 2023 and earned second place in the same category at the National Bench Press Championship in Bengaluru in November 2023. Shalan also finished second in the 47 kg junior individual bench press at the National Powerlifting Championship in Punjab in June 2024.