Arunachal Pradesh delivered one of its strongest performances to date at this year’s IPF Powerlifting Nationals, combining a significant medal tally with a landmark advancement in officiating that underscored the state’s growing influence in the sport.
A defining highlight came from beyond the competition platform as Chief Coach Kago Harie became the first official from Arunachal Pradesh to judge at an IPF national championship. The achievement was widely regarded as a step forward for the state’s sporting ecosystem, reflecting its increasing involvement not only in competition but also in national-level governance.
Across the three-day championship held from 17 to 19 November, the contingent excelled across senior, junior and sub-junior divisions. The senior athletes set a commanding pace, led by Rige Kaye, who earned gold in the 74 kg Raw Deadlift and secured the Senior Deadlift Strongman title. Damnia Tamin added two gold medals in the 93 kg Raw and Equipped Bench Press, while Meli Singhi Kino dominated in the 80 kg category with gold medals in Bench Press and both Strongwoman titles, supported by a silver in Full Powerlifting.
Strong senior results continued as Tedo Kino won gold in the 59 kg Bench Press, and Chera Yana topped the 84 kg category with Full Powerlifting gold and the Power Woman title. Taje Mosu clinched double gold in the 105 kg division, while Meta Linggi achieved a standout performance by sweeping Full Powerlifting, Bench Press and Deadlift in the 66 kg category, earning the Power Man title. Sanjeev Ragon replicated the triple-gold feat in the 93 kg category, and Umesh Barman captured Full Powerlifting gold in the 74 kg group with a 615 kg total, securing the Senior Strongman trophy. The senior results concluded with Pabin Murtem winning gold in the 74 kg Bench Press and Tadar Tadir claiming silver in the 59 kg Bench Press.
Junior and sub-junior lifters added further weight to the medal count. Keji Nyime swept the 60 kg junior events with triple gold, while Tarh Rinia dominated with gold medals across all events along with Strongwoman honours. Honya Ropuk secured gold in Bench Press and Deadlift in the 66 kg juniors and earned the Junior Strongman title. The medal run continued with Charu Diwal triumphing in Full Powerlifting and sub-junior athlete Koji Lollen taking triple gold and corresponding Strongman trophies in the 66 kg division.
The juniors also celebrated Tornam Pertin’s triple silver finish in SBD, Bench Press and Deadlift, while Bidiya Munglang swept all three categories with triple gold. The final additions to the medal tally came from Gopal Thapa, who earned a bronze in SBD and silver medals in Deadlift and Bench Press.
The Arunachal Powerlifting Association, recognised by the Arunachal Olympic Association, fielded the team. With an exceptional medal count and Harie’s historic officiating role, Arunachal Pradesh strengthened its competitive presence and expanded its administrative standing in Indian powerlifting.
