A three-day long powerlifting competition has been organised in Imphal to promote the game among youth of the country.
The competition began on Saturday and saw participation of 200 competitors from Mizoram, Assam, Jharkand, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and host Manipur.
“Every year Indian Powerlifting Federation organises zonal championships, east, west, north and south. Eastern India is our yearly calendar. This time we are hosting it at Imphal, Manipur. Last year, it was held at Patna. So every year, change of place is necessary to popularise the sport among young stars,” said Subrata Dutta, a representative of Indian Powerlifting Federation.
Many women have participated in this event. Many have come with hopes of giving their best and go back home with a medal.
“The competition is tough here as the participants are very good. Everybody is giving the best,” she said, adding “I just want to perform well and learn something,” said Debojani Sunoval, a competitor.
Competitors also said that they learnt a lot from other players at the event and such events must happen on regular basis.
International referees were called to conduct the competition .
The championship is organised by the Manipur Powerlifting Association and will culminate on Sunday. (ANI)