Latest update April 17th, 2025 9:50 AM
Berbice contingent looking excel at upcoming GAPLF seniors
By Zaheer Mohamed
Kaieteur News – Lifting heavy weights has always been a pleasure for many, but dedicated powerlifting competitions, centered on specified groups of lifts are a joy to watch.
Cluster of barbells, breathing heavily, slapping each other’s backs and aggressively blaring as they grab weights from the base or press incredible poundages is just a glimpse of how rigid the training in iron sport can be.
Farouk Abdool
Powerlifting in Guyana has always been keenly contested and it has delighted not only the competitors, but those who have a passion for the sport. On many occasions it has been a showdown between those from the city and those competing from outside Georgetown. The Berbicians have over the years provided much excitement for their fans and with Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) senior championship set for December 19, they will be looking to excel once again.
Preparations have been going well so far for the Berbice contingent as they seek to surpass their previous feats.
Seasoned powerlifter Farouk Abdool, who also serves as a coach for the younger athletes at the Hardcore gym in Rosignol, told Kaieteur Sport that they are confident of surpassing their previous records. Abdool said one of their aims is to set new records. “We always strive for overall improvement and the guys are very confident and raring to go,” he added.
Vijay Rahim
Abdool said that chances of injury are small since they train with a programme. “We train very hard, the athletes are fit and are in good form so the fans can expect some excitement,” he posited.
It takes a great amount of motivation, courage and endurance coupled with proper diet, rest and regular and unbending training routine to not only stay in the sport, but to achieve elite status. Undoubtedly, the Berbicians have consistently displayed their eagerness to excel and Abdool pointed out that achieving the desired results is one of their key motivational factors. “When we achieve our desired results, it gives us that extra zest to continue. We have a strict training regime and we take it seriously. It’s a pleasure to not only compete, but to do better than the more established gyms.”
Abdool, who currently holds the deadlift masters’ record in the heavyweight division, said he is happy with the progress the athletes have been making. “We are where we wanted to be in terms of preparation for this championship. The guys are showing the type of commitment which is required for long-term success.”
Apart from Abdool, those that will be competing from Berbice are Vijay Rahim, Fazim Abdool, Hardat Tarson, Marlon Wilson, Marley Vyphius and Nigel Phillips.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Hope is what you rely on when you do not have a plan
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been comforted by something named “Hope”... more
Collaborative Government–Private Sector Action Imperative for a Resilient Trade Future
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of the higher... more
Weekend Cartoon
