With BOSM right around the corner, the BOSM English Press sat down with the captain of the Powerlifting team, Utkarsh Singh, to discuss the team’s preparations for the upcoming fest.

The Powerlifting event for BOSM consists of each participant having to perform three different types of lifts—squat, bench, and deadlift. It usually consists of six weight categories and begins at 9:00 AM in the morning and continues till 7:00 PM in the evening with each athlete performing each lift followed by a few hours of rest.

Utkarsh joined the powerlifting team in his first year and has been gymming for two years now. When asked about what the team’s training regimen looks like, Utkarsh shared that the Powerlifting team consists of eighteen members and practices six days a week. Their daily routine involves practising the primary lifts for about one and a half hours and auxiliary exercises for an hour to strengthen the auxiliary muscles.

Talking about the upcoming BOSM, Utkarsh said that everyone is very excited with this being the first BOSM to be held in the past three years and he expects a high level of competition. He added that the Powerlifting team has always bagged at least two medals in each category in the past editions of BOSM and has participated in many outstation competitions in the past, even bagging a gold medal at IIT Bombay in 2019. He is pleased with his team’s work ethic and hopes to perform well this year too.

When asked about the problems being faced by the team, Utkarsh said that lifting heavy weights causes fatigue and is a common problem faced by powerlifters. Another problem faced by the team was that the inventory they had ordered was cancelled by Dr. Shekhawat. However, Utkarsh shared his problem with the Sports Secretary, who persuaded Dr. Shekhawat to go through with the order. 

Talking about his experience as the captain of the Powerlifting team, Utkarsh said that he became captain in his fourth year and received guidance from his seniors about his duties. He said that he had to manage the team, manage the inventory, and talk to the Chief Warden when required. He added that his experience has taught him a lot and given him a broader perspective even outside sport. Utkarsh concluded by saying that he would advise anyone interested in lifting not to ego lift and focus on perfecting their form rather than lifting the heaviest weights that they possibly can.