Udupi: Varsity-level Weightlifting,  Best Physique Competitions Inaugurated at Shirva

Pics: Durga Digitals
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (GA)

Udupi, Dec 20: "There is an absolute necessity of eschewing drugs in sports, and the younger generation has to say a firm ‘No’ to drugs and develop drug-free sport world,”  exhorted Chandrahasa Rai, honorary secretary, Karnataka State Weightlifters Association, Bangalore, after inaugurating the Mangalore University Level Weightlifting and Best Physique Competition under the auspices of St Mary’s College, Shirva.

Tracing the history of weightlifting, he said that it was recognized as sports way back in 1894. However, it was only in 1936 modern weightlifting came into vogue. International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) are administering this sport at the international and national level respectively.

Commending the individual achievements of sports personalities like Arthur D’Souza (first person to represent Karnataka in the international level in weightlifting), Pushparaj Hegde, Satish Rai and others, he reiterated the remarkable role played by educational institutions like St Aloysius College, Mangalore, St Philomena College, Puttur and budding colleges like Alva’s College, Moodbidri. He lauded efforts of great physical education teachers like Venkatramaiah (St Philomena College) and Sri Benjamin D’Souza (St Aloysius College, Mangalore). He opined that there is a need to nurture the budding sports talents in the initial stages of schooling itself to groom them into sports person of right stature.   

Chief guest of the function Sudharshan H, president, Udupi District Body Building and Kabaddi Association and Dr Kishore, representative of Mangalore University too addressed the gathering. Fr Fredrick Monteiro, assistant parish priest, Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, graced the occasion with his blessings.   

Dr John Clarence Miranda, Principal, presided over the function, thanked the sponsors and the public for their wholehearted the cooperation. While Prof Ronald Moras welcomed the gathering, Prof Gopalkrishna introduced the guests. Physical education director of the college Venugopal Nonda, proposed the vote of thanks and Dr Ganesh Bhat compered the programme.

As many as 160 lifters (100 boys and 60 girls) from 26 colleges are participating in this event. The holders of “Prof. A Richard Rebello Rolling Trophy (Men), Shirva Blossom Mansion Celestine D’Souza Rolling Trophy (Women)” will be decided at the end of two-day event.