Vijay Kanchan, a head constable in a city police station, and Akshata Poojarthi (28) from Bola near Karkala returned to the city after winning gold medals in the World Bench Press, Dead Lift, powerlifting championship held in Las Vegas last week.
Mr. Kanchan and Ms. Poojarthi won two gold medals each in the dead lift and squat events held in their respective weight categories in the championship organised between October 17 and 20. The two have been regularly representing the country in the Asian and international power lifting championships in the last few years.
The duo returned by a private flight from Mumbai to the Mangalore International Airport on Thursday around 3 p.m. They were received by Mayor Mahabala Marla and V. Sunil Kumar, Karkala MLA.
Family members of the sportspersons had come to the airport to receive them. Talking to reporters, Ms. Poojarthi, who had won eight medals in the 2011 edition of the event held in London, said it was difficult for her to adjust to the cold climate at the tournament venue.
Ms. Poojarthi said she faced tough competition from Afghanistan and Korean powerlifters in bench press and dead weight sections. “It was too cold. It has affected my speech,” said Ms. Poojarthi, who is younger of five children of Bhoja Poojary, an agriculturist. “I am happy for what my daughter has achieved overcoming odds,” said an excited Boja Poojary.
Mr. Kanchan, who has been into powerlifting for over a decade, hoped of better help from the State government for powerlifting. “We see our counterparts from other States receive good financial assistance. We hope the State government provides necessary financial assistance as promised.”
Mr. Kanchan said it was because of support from Karnataka Powerlifting Association and some industrialists that they could attend the international event. “This is my first international competition,” said Mr. Kachan, who has won gold medals in the Asian Powerlifting Championships held in Philippines, Kazakhstan and Japan. The two are trained at the Veera Maruti Vyayama Shale in Kinnigoli that was run by zilla panchayat member Eshwar Kateel. State Powerlifting Association Honorary Secretary Satish Kumar Kudroli had arranged for flower-decked open jeeps in which the two sportspersons were brought in a procession from the airport.
