Mangaluru: A two-day inter-collegiate powerlifting championship concluded at the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, on Saturday.International powerlifter and student Sonali Fernandes inaugurated the event and underscored the importance of sports, saying they build physical strength and mental resilience to face life’s challenges.Chief guest Gerald Santosh D’Souza, director, physical education department, Mangalore University, urged participants to compete with discipline and uphold the spirit of true sportsmanship. International powerlifter Sathish Kumar Kudroli was also present.A total of 148 students from 36 colleges are taking part. In the men’s category, Siddarth Suvarna of Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work was adjudged Best Lifter after lifting a total of 826kg, including a record deadlift.In the women’s category, Harshitha V. Salian of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, emerged Best Lifter with a total lift of 385kg across squat, bench press and deadlift.In the men’s 120kg category, Prasad D’Souza of Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work set a new Mangalore University inter-collegiate record with a total lift of 860kg. Vamshi of St Mary’s College, Kalyanpur, also created a record.Alva’s College, Moodubidire, won the men’s team title, with Milagres College, Kalyanpur, finishing runners-up. In the women’s team event, Alva’s College emerged as champions, while SDM College, Ujire, secured second place.
