Arunachal Pradesh Powerlifters Soar in Nationals; Exclusive interview with one

By Asin Charu

ITANAGAR: A total of 16 powerlifters from the state qualified for the National Equipped Powerlifting Championship organized by the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC) India under the categories: Women Junior (3), Women Master-1 (1), Women Senior (1), Men Junior (6), Men Senior (4) and Men Master-1 (1). The event was held on 8th and 9th January 2022 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, out of which 10 participants came through as winners.

In depth

The winners are namely: Papum Pare based Mr. Azad Basfore, General Secretary, WPC Arunachal Pradesh who was notably awarded “Strongman of India” title for 2 consecutive years, (2021-2022). He sets new record in 75 kg bodyweight, Men Senior Category under WPC India in benchpress with 200 kg, alongside Mr. Katbang Bayang of Tirap district who bagged 1 gold at 56 kg body weight, Men Senior category; Mr. Ongbem Mossang of Changlang district who bagged 1 gold at 56 kg bodyweight Men Junior category; Mr. Marjom Ete from West Siang who bagged 1 gold and 1 silver at 67.5 kg bodyweight, Men Junior category; Ms. Kipa Nuri from Kurung Kumey district who bagged 1 silver at 48 kg bodyweight, Women Junior category; Ms. Niamun Mara from Upper Subansiri district who bagged 3 golds at 48 kg body weight, Women Junior category; Ms. Kipa Yanu from Kurung Kumey district who bagged 1 gold at 48 kg body weight, Women Senior category; Mr. Riba Singhi from East Kameng  district who bagged 2 golds at 67.5 kg bodyweight Men Senior category; Mr. Abhijit Rajkhowa from Papum Pare district who bagged 1 gold at 90 kg bodyweight, Men Master 1- category and finally, Mr. Askar Ali of Papum Pare district who bagged 1 bronze at 75 kg body weight under Men Senior category.

Among the 10 winners, TheSpace managed to get hold of, Marjom Ete of Paya village under West Siang district who bagged 1 gold and 1 silver under Men Junior category.

The 21-year-old secured 1^st place in weight category--67.5 kg with a total deadlift score of 220, forbye securing 2^nd place in the same weight category with 180 in squat, 97.5 in benchpress and 220 in deadlift with score totaling up to 497.5.

Academically, Marjom graduated with a degree in Political Science from St. Francis De Sales College, Aalo, West Siang district and is currently pursuing his degree in law from National Education Foundation Law College, Guwahati, Assam.

His previous achievements include, 1 gold and 2 silvers in “Arunachal Pradesh State Deadlift and Benchpress Championship” which was held on 31^st October 2021 at Itanagar and 1 Gold in Deadlift competition organized under the “Alpha Fitness Competition” held on 5^th of November 2021.

Road to National Equipped Powerlifting Championship: Exclusive interview with Marjom Ete

“One fine day at the local gym, when me the boys were on with our casual weight lifting intervals, it sparked to me how I could pull off the weights with minimal effort while many struggled to manage a proper lift. That epiphany was the inception to my weight lifting venture,” an overwhelmed Marjom reminisced, whilst narrating his journey to our correspondent.

It was then he began to orchestrate his path from bodybuilding to preparations for the then upcoming state-level powerlifting competition whereby he managed to sail through and get selected for Arunachal Powerlifting team to compete in the nationals.

Making it through the selection for nationals, in Marjom’s words, was a “turning point” in his powerlifting    career. It was then he decided to finally quit bodybuilding to train for the nationals.

2 years down the memory lane, he recalls his journey having been a topsy-turvy one. He claims to be a self-taught athlete who heavily relied on YouTube and other social media platforms for lessons. He overcame the internal battle between diet and training to that of outings and leisurely activities through dedication and perseverance.

As a student and a young aspirant of weightlifting, there were instances where he had to borrow money or take loans from friends. While people were indulged in festivities and merry-making last December, he stayed back at Guwahati, away from his family to practice for the nationals.

He now aims to represent India at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

The 21-year-old also advocates for prevention of “Drugs and Alcohol among youths.” Through this channel, Marjom hopes to draw the attention of the concerned MLAs and Sports authority of West Siang district concerning recognition and platforms for local athletes. He hopes for the many aspiring athletes in the state to receive proper recognition and sponsorship for their hard work and achievements.

He along with 15 other participants has brought laurels to the state’s  powerlifting community and the sports community as a whole.