Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday felicitated Akbari Khatoon for winning a gold medal at the National Powerlifting Championship 2026.
Khatoon clinched the Gold medal in the 56 kg category at the WPC National Powerlifting Championship 2026 held in Noida. She recorded lifts of 110 kg in squat, 42.5 kg in bench press and 117.5 kg in deadlift to secure the top position.
Congratulating the young athlete on her feat, CM Khandu said, “Heartiest congratulations to Ms Akbari Khatoon of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh! Born and brought up in Tawang and fluent in Monpa, she secured the National Gold Medal in the 56 kg category at the WPC National Powerlifting Championship 2026 (Noida) with lifts — Squat 110 kg, Bench 42.5 kg, Deadlift 117.5 kg.”
The Chief Minister said her achievement has brought pride to the state and noted that her victory has earned her an opportunity to represent India at the international level. He also wished her continued success in future competitions.
“From District Champion to State Strong Woman to now National Champion, you have made Arunachal proud and earned the chance to represent India internationally,” the chief minister said.
Officials from the state’s sports department said Khatoon’s achievement reflects the growing sporting talent emerging from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly among women athletes from remote districts.
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They expressed hope that her success would inspire more young sportspersons across the state to take up powerlifting and other strength-based disciplines, bringing further recognition to Arunachal Pradesh at national and international platforms.
