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Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Mar 24: The National Senior Classic Powerlifting Championship, organised by the Karnataka Powerlifting Association and hosted by Kasharp Fitness, was inaugurated on Tuesday, March 24, at T V Ramana Pai Hall in Mangaluru. The five-day national-level championship has attracted powerlifters from across the country.

Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H V, who inaugurated the championship, said that along with cricket, other sports are also gaining prominence in India. He noted that sports like powerlifting, swimming, badminton and kabaddi are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. He emphasised that along with physical fitness, mental fitness is equally important and said that staying fit should be everyone’s basic mantra.

Association general manager Pradeep Kumar, who delivered the introductory address, said that more than 300 athletes from different parts of the country are participating in the championship. He also stressed the need to develop sports culture among children at the household level.

Mangaluru division assistant labour commissioner Nazia Sultan, MRPL group general manager Krishna Hegde Miyar, industrialists Raghu Sharma and Mukund Kamath, Kasharp Fitness director Anand Prabhu, Zhiha H M, Powerlifting India secretary P J Joseph, Australian powerlifting coach Gary Williams, former mayor Purandar Kuloor, meet director and association general secretary Satish Kumar Kudroli, DK District president Umesh Gatti, secretary Madhuchandra M, Karnataka Powerlifting Association treasurer Jayaram Shettigar, Kasharp Fitness director Dr Savil Uchchil and others were present on the occasion.

More than 300 male and female powerlifters from various states and over 100 referees are participating in the five-day championship.