News n Pics : Praveen L.Carvalho, Barkur
Mangalore – In an extraordinary display of stamina and strength, Roshan Lobo from Barkur has achieved what few athletes manage: back-to-back podium finishes within two days, claiming silver medals at consecutive Karnataka state-level powerlifting competitions held in Mangalore.
The 40-year-old powerlifter first captured silver on October 24, 2025, at the Karnataka State-Level Classic Bench Press Competition, then returned just 48 hours later to claim another silver medal on October 26 at the Equipped Bench Press Competition. Both events were organized by Shri Shakthi Bharath Vyayama Shale, Ullalbail, Thokottu, showcasing Lobo's versatility across different bench press formats.
The Weekend That Defined a Season
The consecutive victories mark a stunning culmination of Lobo's 2025 campaign. Competing in both classic (raw) and equipped divisions within the same weekend requires not just physical strength but exceptional recovery management and mental fortitude—qualities that separate elite athletes from mere competitors.
"To peak for one competition is difficult. To maintain that level for two competitions in 48 hours is extraordinary," noted powerlifting observers at the venue. The equipped competition, which allows athletes to use supportive gear that can significantly increase load capacity, demands different technical adjustments than the raw format, making Lobo's dual success all the more impressive.
A Powerlifter's Journey: From Abroad to the Podium
What makes Lobo's achievements remarkable isn't just the hardware—it's the circumstances under which he trains. The Hosala Barkur native works abroad, meaning his training cycles are often interrupted by travel and work commitments that would derail most athletes' competition schedules.
Yet somehow, Lobo has turned this apparent disadvantage into a testament to disciplined programming. Training at J.P. Gym Barkur under the guidance of owner Nithin Poojari when he's home, Lobo has developed a training philosophy that emphasizes quality over quantity—maximizing limited gym time with focused, intelligent workouts.
The Master Class of 2025
Competing in the Master-1 category (ages 40-49), Lobo has accumulated an impressive medal collection this year that tells a story of consistency and progression. His October double-header adds to silver medals earned earlier in the year: one at a state powerlifting competition in July at KPTC Sabha Bhavana, Mangalore, and another in April at the state championships at K.G.S. Club, Cubbon Park, where he competed in the 93 kg weight category.
This quartet of state-level silvers in 2025 follows his upgraded silver medal at the National Powerlifting Championship in Indore, Madhya Pradesh—a performance that announced his arrival on the national stage and set the tone for his dominant state-level campaign.
Redefining Age in Strength Sports
At 40, Lobo competes in a category where experience meets physical capability. While younger athletes may have faster recovery rates, Master-1 competitors bring years of accumulated knowledge about their bodies, understanding of biomechanics, and the psychological resilience that comes from decades of training.
Lobo embodies this perfectly. His approach to powerlifting is cerebral rather than purely physical—he's known among training partners for his meticulous attention to programming cycles, nutrition timing, and strategic deloading. This scientific approach has allowed him to not only compete with younger athletes but often outlast them in competitions requiring sustained performance.
Putting Barkur on the Strength Map
For a region celebrated more for its ancient temples and cultural festivals, Lobo's success has sparked an unexpected athletic renaissance. Local gyms have reported increased interest in powerlifting, with young athletes now seeing a viable path in strength sports—a discipline that requires minimal infrastructure compared to conventional sports.
His victories carry particular resonance in coastal Karnataka, where traditional sporting pathways have long dominated youth aspirations. Lobo's rise demonstrates that strength athletics can flourish outside metropolitan training hubs, given the right combination of personal dedication and local support.
The Road Ahead
With five medals in 2025—including one at the national level—Lobo has established himself as a force in Karnataka's powerlifting scene. His consecutive weekend victories in Mangalore represent not just an end-of-season flourish but a statement: that age, geography, and unconventional training circumstances need not limit athletic achievement.
As the calendar turns toward 2026, the powerlifting community will be watching to see whether Lobo can maintain this momentum. If his weekend performance is any indication, the answer is likely yes—and the only question remaining is how high he can set the bar.