News n Pics : Praveen Carvalho, Barkur
Mangalore, February 15, 2026 – In a stunning display of unyielding strength and resilience, 41-year-old powerlifter Roshan Lobo from Barkur has once again etched his name into Karnataka's sporting history. Over the weekend of February 14-15, Lobo dominated the Karnataka State Masters Powerlifting Classic Championship, securing a gold medal in the classic category, while also claiming a silver in the Equipped Powerlifting Championship. Both events unfolded at the Mogera Samaja Bhavana in Panijimogaru, Kulur, Mangalore, drawing crowds of enthusiastic supporters and fellow athletes who witnessed Lobo's masterful performance.
This latest achievement marks a significant milestone for Lobo, elevating his status from a consistent medal contender to a outright champion in the Master-1 category (ages 40-49). Competing in the 93 kg weight class, Lobo's gold in the classic event—where athletes lift without supportive gear—highlighted his raw power and technical precision. His silver in the equipped category, which allows specialized suits and wraps for enhanced lifts, demonstrated his adaptability across formats. Organizers from the Karnataka Powerlifting Association praised the event's high standards, noting that Lobo's lifts set new benchmarks for masters-level competition in the state.
Lobo's weekend success comes on the heels of an already remarkable career trajectory, building upon a string of podium finishes that have defined his 2025 season. Just months earlier, in October 2025, he achieved what many deemed impossible: back-to-back silver medals in Mangalore's state-level bench press competitions. On October 24, he earned silver at the Karnataka State-Level Classic Bench Press Competition, only to return 48 hours later on October 26 for another silver at the Equipped Bench Press event, both hosted by Shri Shakthi Bharath Vyayama Shale in Ullalbail, Thokottu.
These October triumphs were no fluke; they capped off a year of consistent excellence. In July 2025, Lobo secured silver at a state powerlifting meet at KPTC Sabha Bhavana in Mangalore, following an earlier silver in April at the state championships held at K.G.S. Club in Cubbon Park, Bangalore. His crowning glory of 2025, however, was a silver medal at the National Powerlifting Championship in Indore, Madhya Pradesh—a breakthrough that propelled him onto the national radar and underscored his ability to compete beyond regional boundaries.
What sets Lobo apart isn't merely his medal count—now totaling seven state and national honors since early 2025—but the extraordinary context of his journey. A native of Hosala Barkur in coastal Karnataka, Lobo balances his athletic pursuits with a demanding job, where frequent travel and irregular schedules could easily sabotage even the most dedicated training regimen. Yet, Lobo has mastered the art of disciplined adaptation. When back home, he trains at J.P. Gym Barkur under the watchful eye of owner Nithin Poojari, focusing on efficient, high-impact sessions that prioritize progressive overload, recovery, and nutrition. "It's about smart training, not endless hours," Lobo has shared in past interviews, emphasizing a philosophy that blends science with sheer willpower.
At 41, Lobo redefines what it means to excel in strength sports during one's prime master years. While younger competitors might boast quicker recovery, Lobo leverages decades of experience in biomechanics, mental fortitude, and strategic periodization. His approach has not only sustained his performance but elevated it, turning potential setbacks like jet lag and limited gym access into fuel for his competitive edge. In the Master-1 division, where wisdom often trumps youthful vigor, Lobo's story resonates as a blueprint for aspiring athletes facing life's interruptions.
Lobo's rise has ripple effects far beyond the lifting platform. In Barkur—a region more renowned for its historic temples, vibrant festivals, and serene coastal vibes than for powerlifting—his successes have ignited a local athletic spark. Gyms like J.P. Gym report surging enrollments, particularly among youth drawn to strength sports' accessibility. Unlike team-based games requiring extensive facilities, powerlifting demands little more than a barbell, weights, and determination—making it an ideal outlet for rural and semi-urban talents. Lobo's feats challenge traditional sporting narratives in coastal Karnataka, proving that world-class potential can emerge from unexpected corners with the right mix of personal grit and community backing.