-News n Pics : Praveen Carvalho
Mangalore – In a display of raw strength and technical precision, Roshan Lobo from Barkur continued his remarkable winning streak by securing a silver medal at the Karnataka State-Level Classic Bench Press Competition held in Mangalore on October 24, 2025. The event, organized by Shri Shakthi Bharath Vyayama Shale, Ullalbail, Thokottu, saw competitors from across the state vie for top honors in one of powerlifting's most demanding disciplines.
Lobo's latest achievement marks his third state-level medal in 2025 alone, solidifying his position as one of Karnataka's most consistent performers in strength sports. The 40-year-old athlete, competing in the Master-1 category, demonstrated the kind of seasoned expertise that comes from years of dedication to the iron game.
A Year of Unprecedented Success
The October victory caps what has been an extraordinary year for the Hosala Barkur native. Earlier in July, Lobo clinched silver at a state-level powerlifting competition held at KPTC Sabha Bhavana in Mangalore, proving his versatility across different powerlifting formats. Before that, in April, he secured another silver medal at the state championships held at K.G.S. Club, Cubbon Park, competing in the 93 kg weight category.
What sets Lobo apart from many athletes is not just his medal tally, but the consistency with which he performs at the highest state levels while managing a unique set of challenges—including work commitments that take him abroad.
From National Glory to State Domination
Lobo's 2025 success story has its roots in his breakthrough performance earlier this year at the National Powerlifting Championship in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where he upgraded a bronze medal to silver. That national-level achievement served as a springboard, demonstrating that athletes from smaller towns could compete—and triumph—against powerlifters from metropolitan training centers with far greater resources.
His journey resonates particularly in coastal Karnataka, where traditional sports have long overshadowed strength athletics. Lobo's rise has sparked interest among younger athletes in Barkur and surrounding areas, with local gyms reporting increased inquiries about powerlifting training programs.
The Making of a Champion
What makes Lobo's achievements particularly noteworthy is his approach to the sport. Unlike younger competitors who can devote themselves entirely to training, the 40-year-old has had to balance his athletic pursuits with professional responsibilities. Friends and training partners describe him as methodical in his preparation, focusing on structured programming and intelligent recovery strategies rather than simply logging hours in the gym.
"Roshan doesn't just lift heavy—he lifts smart," said a fellow competitor who requested anonymity. "He understands periodization, nutrition, and recovery in ways that many younger lifters don't. That's why he's still winning medals at 40."
The bench press competition in particular showcases an athlete's upper body strength and technique. Unlike the full powerlifting meets that include squat and deadlift, the classic bench press format demands absolute precision in form and explosive power in a single movement pattern.
A Beacon for Coastal Karnataka
Lobo's success story is particularly significant for the Barkur region, an area better known for its cultural heritage than its athletic achievements. His victories have put the small town on Karnataka's powerlifting map, proving that world-class strength athletes can emerge from anywhere with the right combination of talent, dedication, and opportunity.
As the powerlifting calendar moves forward, the question isn't whether Lobo will continue competing—it's how many more medals he can add to his growing collection. With three state-level silvers already secured in 2025 and a national medal preceding them, the Barkur powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down.
For aspiring athletes across coastal Karnataka, Roshan Lobo's journey offers a compelling narrative: that age is just a number, that geography doesn't determine destiny, and that with unwavering commitment, small-town athletes can stand tall on state and national podiums.