Five Gold and a two bronze contribution from Manipuri player helped team India successfully retained its top position at the 4th International Strength Lifting and Incline Bench press held in Bangkok from 24 to 28 this month. Host country Thailand was adjudged the runners up in the 8 country competition. Altogether 160 competitors competed in 3 weight categories in both women’s and men’s group.
Pushparani Devi competing in 72 Kgs and Bidyarani Devi in 46 Kgs hauled 2 Gold each while M Gyanchan Luwang (62 Kgs) gave India another Gold. Another Manipuri player Bikramjit (60 Kgs) gave India 2 Bronze medals. Kh. Ningthem led the 5 member Manipur contingent as team leader. The Indian contingent was 47member strong.
Speaking to a team of Editors of the Editors Guild, Manipur at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, leader of the Indian Contingent Babul Bikas Patronobis said India was able to retain its top position for 4th time in a row. He was also all praise for the host Thailand which successfully organized the championship. Manipur team leader Kh.Ningthem said Manipur could have contributed 1 more gold from Incline bench press by Bikramjit if not for a change in incline degree.