Nadeeka creates history with first Women’s Powerlifting Gold

Nadeeka Hemanthi etched her name in history as the first Sri Lankan woman to win an international gold medal in powerlifting. Competing in the Masters 1 (69kg) weight category at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Monday, she achieved an extraordinary milestone by lifting a total of 310kg to claim the overall gold medal.

Hemanthi’s victory was hard-fought, outperforming younger competitors from Chinese Taipei, who took home silver (287.5kg) and bronze (270kg). Her outstanding performance included a Sri Lankan record 150kg in the deadlift, which earned her a gold medal in that event. She also claimed gold in the squat with a 107.5kg lift and secured bronze in the bench press with 52.5kg.

This remarkable achievement comes just over a year after Hemanthi began her powerlifting journey. Her meteoric rise is a testament to her talent and determination. At the National Powerlifting Championships earlier this year, she set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka by breaking the previous deadlift record of 135kg three times, with lifts of 140kg, 145kg, and 147.5kg.

R.A.D. Nadeeka Hemanthi’s historic win not only highlights her skills but also raises the profile of powerlifting in Sri Lanka. She expressed her gratitude to her trainer, Milinda Rathnayaka of Zimantra Leisure Center, and acknowledged the support of the Bodytone Maharagama gym and its staff in helping her reach this monumental achievement.

 Source:Daily News