The BOSM English press interviewed Divyaspandan Misra, the Captain of the Powerlifting team, to discuss the team’s preparation for the upcoming event. 

Powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting are three sports under one umbrella, each with distinct focuses: strength, technique, and aesthetics, respectively. Divyaspandan mentioned challenges in training due to high temperatures, poor ventilation, nutrition, and the struggle to balance academics, internships, and job interviews with training. Nevertheless, he praised his team’s dedication in these adverse conditions. To balance academics, sports, and other commitments, he advised finding a rhythm and not giving up.

Regarding team composition, he noted a predominance of boys but mentioned a growing interest from girls. He claimed that people shy away from the sport due to injury concerns. He affectionately referred to his team as “gentle giants” and explained their recruitment process, in which they recruit three to five people per batch, with new recruits eager to learn from seniors. Training is mostly self-taught, with guidance from an experienced coach. Gym equipment availability was initially a challenge but improved with extended gym hours and team timing.

The team’s recent success in winning gold in most categories in the last BOSM was attributed to strategy and a competitive attitude. Divyaspandan shared that he started lifting to do something meaningful with his body and became captain with the support of his seniors. He acknowledged the support of the CoSSAc and the Institute for the health club, and emphasized effective communication channels.

He concluded by appreciating the team’s improvement and commitment to addressing weaknesses. Emphasizing that some team members lifted two categories above their own, he advised BITSians to not give up when faced with a challenge and to maintain an “undefeatable mindset”.