We look forward to working with IWLF in not only hosting tournaments, but also setting up a National Centre of Excellence in Odisha,” he added. Addressing the gathering, IWLF President Yadav, said, “The facilities, the hospitality, the venue, everything is of the best quality and we look forward to organising bigger tournaments and one international competition in Odisha in 2023.”

For the first time in the history of the National Championship, it has been decided that cash prizes will be given to top three finishers in all categories. The first, second, and third place winners will be awarded Rs 10,000, Rs 5000 and Rs 3000 respectively.

The 12-day championship is being conducted by IWLF, in association with OWA with support from Sports and Youth Services Department, Govt of Odisha. Competition is being held in 10 different weight categories for Youth (Boys & Girls), Junior & Seniors (Men & Women).

This championship is the qualifier for 5th edition of Khelo India Youth Games, which is scheduled to be held later this year.This will also be considered a selection trial for the IWF Youth and Junior World Championships.

Competitions were held in five events on the opening day. However, performance of Odisha lifters proved to be dismal. Among five lifters from the host state none could win a medal. Jyoshna Sabar of Odisha Weightlifting High Performance Centre, finished seventh in youth women 40kg category with a total lift of 97kg.

Tauted as a medal prospect for 2022 Commonwealth Games, Jyoshna lifted 44kg in snatch and 53kg clean & jerk. Her Statemate Mamita Mallik finished 12th with a total lift of 80kg in the same weight category. She lifted 36kg in snatch and 44kg in clean & jerk.

In youth women 45kg class, Lalita Batra from Odisha got seventh position with a total lift of 104kg (snatch 44kg, clean & jerk 60kg). Mina Singh, the other lifter in the same category, finished last and did not get any rank. She lifted 53kg in snatch, but her all three lifts in clean & jern was declared no lift.

Similarly, Rinki Nayak (Odisha) settled at sixth position in junior women 45kg category with a total lift of 132kg. She lifted 60kg in snatch and 72kg in clean and jerk.
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TOP: Guests at the opening ceremony of the IWLF National Weightlifting Championships at Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 20 March 2022.
RIGHT: Odisha lifter Jyoshna Sabar in action at the IWLF National Weightlifting Championships at Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium in Bhubaneswar on 20 March 2022.