National Weightlifting Championships begins in Odisha, to witness participation of over 800 weightlifters

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], March 21 (ANI): The National Weightlifting Championship has started in Odisha's Bhubaneshwar on Sunday where over 800 weightlifters will be participating from across 30 states.
The event will last till March 31 and will witness some of the finest weightlifters across age and event categories.
"We are very glad to be hosting this National Weightlifting Championship in Odisha, across categories. Weightlifting is a very important sport for India and has brought laurels for the country in the international arena," said R Vineel Krishna, Sports Secretary, Odisha.

Krishna hoped that in the coming years' youth from Odisha will bring laurels for the country and the state government is working to improve the weightlifting ecosystem in the state.
"Even for Odisha, weightlifting is amongst a priority sport and I hope in the coming years, the weightlifters from our state will bring laurels for the state and country. We have also invested in 89 indoor multipurpose halls across Odisha where Weightlifting will be promoted and along with our Weightlifting High-Performance Centre will collectively boost the weightlifting ecosystem in the state," said Krishna.
Indian Weightlifting Federation in association with Odisha Weightlifting Association is conducting the event.

This competition is the qualifier for the 5th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, 2022 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 both for eligible lifters.
"For the first time in the history of this Championship, it has been decided that first, second and third prizes will be given to the athletes in all categories. The first, second, and third place winners will be awarded Rs 10,000, Rs. 5000, and Rs. 3000 respectively," said Sahadev Yadav, President, IWLF.
The President further advised participants to stay away from doping and wished them all the best for the event.
The competition will be held in 10 different Weight Categories for Youth (Boys & Girls), Junior & Seniors (Men & Women). (ANI)