Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 12: Indian lifters displayed incredible strength and tenacity at the World Raw Powerlifting Championship held in Doha, Qatar by winning five medals at the international stage.
Ajay Sharma, Deputy Inspector of the Forest Protection Force, stood out as a stellar performer, clinching two Gold Medals in the Master category for both the Full Meet and Bench Press disciplines. His outstanding performance not only highlights his individual prowess but also underscores India’s growing dominance in global powerlifting competitions.
In the junior category, Umesh Kumar displayed extraordinary talent by securing the Gold Medal in the Full Meet. Hailing from Kathua, Kumar’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and dedication, inspiring aspiring athletes nationwide to conquer the world stage with relentless determination.
Another notable achievement came from Haripal Singh Jasrotia-Bablu, who secured Gold Medals in the Bench Press event in the Master category (82.5 kg), further bolstering India’s medal tally and showcasing the country’s prowess in powerlifting.
While two other athletes Navkaranjeet Singh and Yogpreet Singh of Fazilka (Junior category) won one Gold in dead lift and silver in overall Full meet Competition.
Under the guidance of Sunil Lochab-Guru, President of India WRPF and Powerlifting Federation Indus (India), the Indian team underwent rigorous training and trials in Delhi, demonstrating meticulous preparation and dedication to excel on the global platform.
The triumphant return of these athletes was met with a heartwarming reception at the Railway Station in Jammu, where they were welcomed with traditional Dhol beats and garlands, celebrating their remarkable achievements. Ajay Sharma expressed his commitment to nurturing and training aspiring athletes free of cost, aiming to cultivate a new generation of powerlifting champions, while Haripal Singh Jasrotia urged the youth to embrace a path of determination and success, steering clear of drugs.
In their hometown of Kalibari, Kathua, Umesh Kumar and World Champion Haripal Singh Jasrotia were warmly welcomed, solidifying their status as hometown heroes and motivating the next generation to follow their dreams with unwavering determination. Umesh Kumar expressed his sincere gratitude to his parents and all of his sponsors, who believed in his ability and gave him a lot of financial support.