Jammu, April 21 – Mumin Dar, a 23-year-old powerlifting athlete from Kishtwar, has been officially crowned “Strongman of J&K” after an outstanding performance at the J&K UT Powerlifting and Deadlift Championship 2025, held at the Indoor Stadium in Jammu on April 18–19, 2025.
Competing in both the senior and junior 83kg open categories, Dar delivered a record-setting performance with a 241 kg squat, 172.5 kg bench press, and 250 kg deadlift. His total of 663.5 kg set a new Jammu and Kashmir record, earning him the highest total of the championship and top honors among hundreds of participants from across the Union Territory.
Speaking to The Chenab Times after his victory, Dar said, “Being crowned Strongman of J&K is a proud moment for me, Kishtwar, and the entire Chenab Valley. This title reflects years of hard work and sacrifice. I dedicate this victory to the youth of my region.” He emphasized that his win showcases the potential of Chenabi youth when given encouragement and opportunity.
The championship, organized by the All J&K UT Powerlifting Association under the aegis of Powerlifting India and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), marked a significant milestone for strength sports in the region. Dar’s 663.5 kg total is believed to be among the highest ever recorded in J&K’s 83 kg category, with his lifts potentially challenging national records, pending verification by Powerlifting India.
Burhan Dar, a close relative, praised Mumin’s determination. “Mumin has stayed focused despite limited resources. His rise is a result of pure dedication, and this J&K record is well-deserved,” he said. Local Kishtwar resident Arif Hussain added, “He’s put Kishtwar on the map. Mumin is an inspiration for young Chenabi athletes in remote areas who dream big.”
Dar’s rise in powerlifting has been steady since he began in 2019, earning multiple accolades at district, UT, and national levels. In March 2025, he secured second place in the 83kg open category at the Second Gogna Classic All India Open Bench Press Championship in Bholath, Punjab, lifting 170 kg among India’s elite lifters. In August 2022, he won a bronze medal at the National Classic Powerlifting Championship in Kasaragod, Kerala, followed by participation in the National Bench Press Championship in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, in January 2023.
Within Jammu and Kashmir, Dar was named Best Lifter of J&K in September 2022 after clinching two gold medals at a UT-level meet. He earned a silver medal at the J&K UT Bench Press Championship in October 2021 and gold at the Bahu Fort Jammu Bench Press Championship in March 2021. Dar also holds multiple district-level titles and has been named “Powerman of Kishtwar” several times.
Training under modest conditions in Kishtwar, where advanced facilities are scarce, Dar has emerged as a symbol of Chenabi grit and perseverance. His journey continues to inspire aspiring athletes across the Chenab Valley and beyond.
Looking ahead, Dar aims to represent India internationally, despite powerlifting’s absence from the Olympics. “My goal is to elevate this sport and inspire youth across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “We may lack world-class infrastructure, but we have world-class determination.”
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
