Sikkim bags 5 medals at National Strength Lifting C'ship

GANGTOK, 04 Sept: Sikkim Strength Lifting Association [SSLA] team has again proved its strength with its impressive performance in the 21st edition of the National Strength Lifting & Inclined Bench Press Championship 2014 held at Midnapur, West Bengal from 21 to 24 August. A 10-member SSLA team has bagged 5 medals in the championship.
Pema Bhutia of Sikkim Armed Police has won gold medal in the Master category [above 45] and also created the new National Record of 120 kg in Inclined Bench Press by breaking his own old record of lifting 115 kg. Similarly, Bhakta Bahadur Chettri and Dhan Bahadur Tamang of SAP bagged gold medals again in the Master category [above 45] in their debut participation.
Bhai Chung- Chung Bhutia of Bojoghari SSS won silver medal in the senior men’s category and Karma Lhamu Bhutia of West Point SSS won bronze medal in the senior women’s category. Likewise, Sonam Dadul Bhutia stood on the 4th position in the senior men’s category. The SSLA team has also won a trophy for the Best Dressed.
SSLA president, Jigme Wangchuk expressed that it was an outstanding efforts to won 5 medals by the small contingent of the state in compare to other big contingents from other states. While appreciating the efforts of the team members, he expressed that the local lifters have lots of opportunity to do much better in the near future. He stated that the local people should support and proud on the team efforts.
President shares that the association has the plan to conduct the state-level competition at Gangtok by inviting the members of different gyms in the state. 
SSLA publicity secretary, Rinzing Wangyal Chophel requested the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to provide the cash incentives to medal winners in strength lifting. He added that in the short period of the formation of the SSLA its lifters have already won many medals for the state.
While speaking on the pathetic condition of the government gym, he urged the department to immediately shift it to its old location at White Hall.