Kishtwar’s Mumin Dar Secures 2nd Place at All India Open Bench Press Championship 2025 with 170kg Lift

Kishtwar, March 28: Mumin Dar, a 23-year-old powerlifting prodigy from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, has once again put his hometown on the map by securing 2nd place in the 83kg open category at the Second Gogna Classic All India Open Bench Press Championship 2025. The event, held on March 23, 2025, at Maharaja Grand Kartarpur Road in Bholath, Punjab, saw Dar lift an impressive 170kg in the classic bench press, earning him national recognition and a podium finish among India’s top powerlifters.

Organized by Ajay Gogna, a Commonwealth Champion and India Team Coach, the championship drew elite athletes from across the country to compete in the classic bench press, a demanding event that tests raw upper body strength and technical precision. The competition offered significant cash prizes, with the men’s category awarding Rs 11,000 for 1st place, Rs 8,100 for 2nd, and Rs 6,100 for 3rd, along with big trophies and medals. A special Rs 1,00,000 prize was also on offer for a 250kg raw bench press, highlighting the event’s focus on extraordinary strength.

Mumin Dar’s remarkable 170kg lift in the 83kg open category secured him 2nd place overall in India, earning him Rs 8,100, a trophy, and a medal. The championship, which began at 7:00 AM, was a fiercely competitive affair, with Dar holding his own against seasoned powerlifters from across the nation. His 170kg bench press not only showcased his physical strength but also his mental fortitude, as he continues to break barriers for athletes from remote regions like the Chenab Valley.

Dar’s powerlifting journey began in 2019 when he first entered a gym to explore the sport. Within two years, he transformed his physique and began competing, quickly rising through the ranks with numerous district and state-level accolades. His past achievements include a gold medal at the Bahu Fort Jammu Bench Press Championship in March 2021, multiple “Powerman of Kishtwar” titles, a silver at the J&K UT Bench Press Championship in October 2021, and two golds along with the “Best Lifter of J&K” title in September 2022. On the national stage, Dar secured a bronze at the National Classic Men & Women Powerlifting Championship in Kasaragod, Kerala, in August 2022, and competed in the National Bench Press Championship in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, in January 2023.

Reflecting on his latest achievement, Dar expressed gratitude to his supporters in Kishtwar. “Lifting 170kg and securing 2nd place at the All India level is a huge honor for me and my hometown. The encouragement from my public has been my biggest strength, and I’m more motivated than ever to pursue my Olympic dream,” he said. Dar’s ultimate goal is to represent India at the Olympics, an ambitious aspiration given powerlifting’s current non-Olympic status, but one that reflects his determination to inspire young athletes from Jammu and Kashmir.

Dar’s success is particularly inspiring given the lack of facilities in Kishtwar, a remote area where access to professional training and awareness of sports like powerlifting is limited. His journey highlights the potential for talent to emerge from challenging circumstances, fueled by determination and community support. As Dar continues to train and compete, he remains a role model for aspiring athletes in the region, proving that national recognition is achievable with hard work.

The powerlifting community and fans are eagerly watching Mumin Dar’s journey, anticipating his next milestone. With his consistent performances, including this impressive 170kg lift, and his unwavering focus, Dar is steadily carving a path toward greater achievements, potentially on the international stage. For now, Kishtwar celebrates its champion, whose story continues to inspire far beyond the gym.

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