Srinagar, Jul 15: Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the North India Powerlifting Championship for the first time, with the event scheduled in the first week of August and registrations already underway.
Fardeem Hussain, President of the International Authority of Bodybuilding, Powerlifting, Fitness and Army Wrestling (AIBPFA), said around 100 athletes from various northern states are expected to participate in the championship.
He said this will be the first-ever North India Powerlifting Championship to be hosted in Jammu and Kashmir, providing local athletes with an opportunity to compete on home turf against some of the best powerlifters from across the region.
“Earlier, such championships were organised in other states, making it difficult for many athletes from Jammu and Kashmir to participate because of travel distance and expenses. Hosting the event in Kashmir will provide a major platform for our athletes to showcase their talent,” Hussain said.
He said the organisers have announced a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for the winner and have already started receiving enquiries from athletes and teams from several northern states, reflecting strong interest in the event.
The championship will feature competitions across multiple weight categories and age groups and is expected to promote powerlifting and strength sports in the Union Territory.
Hussain said women athletes will also be a key part of the championship and will compete in different weight categories with equal opportunities and prize money.
“We want to encourage more women to take up powerlifting and strength sports. Female athletes will participate in different categories and compete for the same prize money as men,” he said.
He added that hosting the championship in Kashmir is expected to boost interest in fitness and competitive powerlifting among the youth and help the region emerge as a new venue for major strength-sport events in North India—(KNO)
