GAPF Novices – Female lifters to headline season opener

Mar 01, 2013 Sports

– BHS to host on March 17

Not since 2007 when Linden experienced a female invasion of over 6 lifters has powerlifting seen the influx athletes on the distaff side. With East Coast seeking to create history challenging with three (3) ladies and New Amsterdam countering with two (2) for a total of five, this year’s Novices Championships is set to take New Amsterdam by the storm.
A total of 14 male and 5 females are set to showcase their strength in search of bragging rights as the best in the various categories of the Novices competition.
The second category featuring National Sub Juniors (Under-18) and Juniors (Under-23) will see the likes of 2012 runner-up Junior Sportsman and Caribbean gold medalist Gumendra Shewdas throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the juniors including his brother Suraj.
All juniors will have a chance of making the junior national squad as this year’s Caribbean Championships is being held consecutively along with the Pan American Championships in Orlando Florida, USA in July.
Final selection will be made within one week of the results to allow the lifters enough time to obtain their visas before date of preliminary nominations April 1.
An added attraction will see guest lifters Fazim Abdool attempting to achieve qualifying lifts in the 93kg class as against his normal 105kg along with Colin “Mr. Clean” Chesney who was unable to compete at the seniors due to injury.
National Open and Junior champion in the 59kg class, Vijai Rahim may not make the National team due to technical rules from the governing body the IPF as a result of his inability to maintain his bodyweight within the 59kg class.
Reports out of Hardcore Gym claims that Rahim has gained weight. The down side to this means that unless Rahim can establish a qualifying total in the higher class 66kg he will not be eligible for selection.
The junior championship is the last chance for Rahim to qualify having already gained selection in the 59kg category.
Clubs and individual lifters participating are once again reminded that they must register with the Organizing Secretary Mr. Denroy Livan between 08:00 and 16:00hrs on telephone # 226 1553.