6th Zoroastrian Powerlifting Championships
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The sixth Zoroastrian Powerlifting Championship, affiliated and conducted by the Greater Bombay Powerlifting Association and meticulously organised by Roozbeh Balsara in collaboration with Trustees of NarYman Dubash Foundation – Viraf Panthaki, Rustom Jasoomoney and Hutoxi Doodhwala at Parsee Gymkhana, Marine Lines, on 19th May, 2018, saw an overwhelming turnout with over twenty-three participants in the form of veterans (above 60 years), men and women, battling it out in various categories.
The men were judged on ‘Squats’, ‘Bench Press’ and ‘Dead Lift’ criteria, up to 65 kgs, 65 – 85 kgs and 85+kgs categories; while women participants competed in ‘Bench Press’, as per national powerlifting guidelines. The event was hosted by Hutoxi Doodhwala, with Er. Tehemton Gowadia as the Chief Guest, who started his victorious journey at 17 years of age with ‘The Youngest Mr. Mysore’ and went on to win numerous more titles including ‘Mr. Bombay’, ‘Mr. Maharashtra’ and the ‘Bharat Shree’ (1974); ‘Mr. India’ (1975); ‘Mysore State Award’ (1969) and the ‘Shiv Chatrapatti’ Award (1974). Speaking to Parsi Times, Tehemton said “One should figure out their priorities as that aids you to reach the top. All the participants today are lucky and should make use of the opportunities given to them. Today’s youngsters should choose an area of interest and try to master it.”
Roozbeh Balsara said, “Competitiveness is important, but what is more necessary is that participants should have that sporting spirit. We would like to encourage the Zoroastrian youth to participate in large numbers. We are giving them a platform to showcase their talent as we want our community to flourish in this sport.”
Leading India weight-lifter, Viraf Panthaki, nine times Maharashtra State Champion, twice All India Interstate Champion and recipient of the Maharashtra State and the Shiv Chatrapati Award, stated, “Hard work is the key element to achieve success. If we see more talented youngsters coming up, we will encourage and support them in every way.”
The event concluded with a body beautiful demo attraction by Mr. India 2016 and 2017, Sunit Jadhav, who urged all to stay fit with proper diet and exercise. The organizers and participants gratefully acknowledged various sponsors which made this event a grand success.
