The Hindu : Sport : Railways, Kerala favourite

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 11, 2007
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Sport

Sport - Sports : General

Railways, Kerala favourite

Principal Correspondent

KOLLAM: Defending champions Railways and Kerala start as favourites in the men’s and women’s sections respectively at the Senior National powerlifting championships which begin at the Bharatha Rajni Parish Hall, here on Saturday.

Railways led by strongman in the last nationals P. Suresh and internationals Anbu and Balinder Singh are expected to repeat the last year’s performance but host Kerala, which finished fourth last year will be hoping to challenge the supremacy of Railways.

P.J. Shobi (56kg) is the host’s best bet in the championship though V.B. Varghese (82.5kg) and Shibin (100kg) can spring surprises. Punjab and Tamil Nadu are the other two sides which can threaten the supremacy of Railways.

Kerala women have always hogged the limelight in the Senior National. This year promises to be no different, Kerala has four reigning national champions in its rank and they are expected to win the gold without much fuss.

However, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab have talented lifters who can give the host a run for their money.

In all 450 lifters are expected to take part in the five-day meet.

Competition in the men’s section will be held in 10 weight categories — 56kg, 62kg, 67.5kg, 75kg, 82.5kg, 90kg, 100kg, 110kg, 125kg and over 125kg.

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