Itanagar, February 17: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday congratulated Akbari Khatoon of Tawang district for winning the gold medal in the 56 kg category at the WPC National Powerlifting Championship 2026, held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
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| Arunachal CM Pema Khandu meets and congratulates national gold medallist Akbari Khatoon of Tawang for her WPC 2026 triumph. (Image: x.com/PemaKhanduBJP) |
Akbari delivered an outstanding performance throughout the championship, showcasing remarkable strength, determination, and technical skill against competitors from across the country. Her impressive lifts included 110 kg in Squat, 42.5 kg in Bench Press, and 117.5 kg in Deadlift, enabling her to secure the top position on the podium and emerge as the national champion in her category.
Born and raised in Tawang and fluent in the Monpa language, Akbari’s achievement has brought pride not only to her district but also to the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh. Her victory marks a significant milestone in a sporting journey that has seen her rise steadily through the ranks—from being a district-level champion to earning the title of State Strong Woman and now becoming a National Champion.
Chief Minister Khandu lauded her dedication, perseverance, and hard work, stating that her success reflects the growing sporting talent emerging from Arunachal Pradesh. He said Akbari’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams through discipline and determination.
“Akbari has made Arunachal Pradesh proud with her remarkable achievement on the national stage. Her success is a testament to her commitment and relentless efforts. I wish her continued success in all her future competitions,” the Chief Minister said.
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With her gold-medal-winning performance, Akbari has also earned the opportunity to represent India at the international level, opening a new chapter in her sporting career. Sports enthusiasts and well-wishers across the state have welcomed the achievement and expressed confidence that she will continue to excel on bigger platforms.
Her victory has been widely celebrated in Tawang, where local residents, athletes, and sports organisations have hailed her as a role model for the younger generation. Many believe her success will encourage more youth from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in strength sports and pursue excellence at national and international competitions.
Akbari Khatoon’s triumph stands as another proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh’s growing sporting community and highlights the state’s increasing presence on the national sporting map.
