A participant at the strengthlifting competition. (Gopal Senapati)

This was a test of strength, albeit, a bit different from the usual weightlifting competitions. It involved lifting weights but in different ways. A competition of strength-lifting was held in Howrah on July 6 organised for the second year by KB’s Gym in Kumarpara near Bantra at the adjoining ground. A total of 60 participants including men, women and masters, took part in the Howrah District Strength Lifting Competition that started from morning.

Men were tested in various body weight categories like 52kg, 60kg, 68kg, 76kg, 85kg, 95kg and above 95kg. Women competed in two categories, namely 50kg and above 50kg. The masters competed in age categories of below 55 years and above 55 years. “Although the competition was between individuals, the participants were representing their respective clubs. We only allowed entries through registered clubs in Howrah,” said Kaushik Balial, the owner of KB’s Gym.

An on-looker might wonder what the difference between weightlifting and strengthlifting was. Weightlifting includes lifting weight through a number of postures. Strengthlifting, on the other hand, includes a combination of three different methods of lifting weight. “There are three processes of lifting weight in strengthlifting, incline bench press, hack lift and two hands curling. The total weight lifted in all three categories is what determines a participant’s score,” said Balial.

There were medals for winners of the first, second and third position in each category. The trophies went to overall winners. Bally Barbell Club won the champion’s trophy while the host, KB’s Gym, took the runners-up trophy. KB’s Gym was also the ‘most improved club’, as their performance improved over last year’s.

“We had 11 participants this year as compared to just two last year. Out of them 10 were medal winners this year. Abhilash Ghosh from our club also won the strong man’s trophy for lifting the most weight (640kg),” said Balial. The strongest woman trophy went to Jyoti Mal from Duilya Biswanath Byayam Samity who lifted 290kg.