Peter Thorne addresses the media in Guwahati on Friday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Feb. 15: The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) today gave the thumbs-up to Guwahati as the venue for the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships to be held in December 2009.

Peter Thorne, the federation’s vice-president and its special delegate to inspect the venues and logistics, said he was very impressed by the “venue, weather and the people” of the city and was looking forward to a “spectacular” meet.

“We awarded the meet to India given its passion, enthusiasm and the respect it enjoys in the powerflifting fraternity. A lot of credit should go to Subrata Dutta, the secretary general of the Indian Powerlifting Federation, who describes his state as incredible. And after what I have seen during my two visits to Guwahati, the participants will leave the country as ambassadors of your country,” Thorne said.

“More than travelling, whether by air, train or road, sportspersons are more concerned about the conditions at the venue. From what I have seen, everything seems to be perfect. It will be a moment in time to project the city to the world,” he said.

Dutta, an Arjuna awardee and the moving force behind the national organisation, said four international meets have been awarded to India next year, including the Commonwealth Games.

“We are sure the Guwahati meet will be the best. Of our 33 units, a majority agree that Assam is the best. We see no reason why it cannot be the best host as well,” he said.

The president of the northeastern unit of the powerlifting federation, Kailash Sarma, said 300 participants from around 16 countries are expected to participate in the meet. The date and budget are yet to be finalised. “The chief minister has already given his blessings to the meet,” he added.