Mangalore : Powerlifting champions Akshatha Bola and Vijaykanchan given a rousing welcome at Mangalore International Airport on October 23, Thursday.

MCC Mayor Mahabala Marla along with fans from various Taluks thronged the airport with flower bouquet and garlands to receive the Powerlifters who emerged as champions at World Bench Press and Power Lifting championship held at Las Vegas, USA by winning two gold medals each.

Speaking on the occasion, gold medalists in Bench Press and Dread Lift in 107 KG categories Vijaykanchan said that ‘The state government of Karnataka paid less attention to the demands of powerlifters unlike other states of the nation’. Although he had written for Karnataka Sports Authority, they failed respond.

Vijay, a head constable from Mulky had previously won many gold medals in the power lifting events held at Philippines, Kazakhstan and Japan.

While Akshatha who hails from Bola, Karkala has won two gold medals in the category of 47 KG said that she is practicing Power Lifting from 8 years. She has recently passed out from Alva’s college as a post graduate.

The fans accompanied with the winners carried out a procession in a florally decorated open jeep from Airport.