Kuching Powerlifting Meet set for Jan 6
KUCHING: The paralympic bench event will kick off the Kuching Powerlifting Meet (KPM) to be held on Jan 6 from 9am.
Members of the public are encouraged to catch KPM 2018 at Crossfit Kuching to witness athletes showcasing their strength and skills.
Powerlifting comprises three disciplines namely Squat, Bench and Deadlift.
Two categories will be contested - Men’s Open Weight Class and Women’s Open Weight Class - by 28 competitors from all over Malaysia.
Final scores will be calculated using the Reshel formula which takes into account the individual’s bodyweight.
Powerli fting Kuching was formed by Lau Zhi Ming and Eric Soon with the aim to provide a platform for athletes of different backgrounds to showcase their strength in the sport of powerlifting as well as to promote the health and mental benefits of strength training and powerlifting in East Malaysia.
The organisation’s committee now consists of Lau Zhi Ming, Eric Soon, Clement Lai, Jerry J Muda, Michael Voon, Sheena Lee, Ernest Soo and Ngu Ker Hong.
Eric said Powerlifting Kuching’s future plans are to strive to provide recognition to all strength athletes of all levels through hosting powerlifting competitions regularly.
“Powerlifting brings the best out of everyone. It is a sport that focuses on self-improvement. The satisfaction and confidence you get from lifting heavy weights are unmatched. Powerlifting is for all,” said Zhi Ming, who recently won in his weight class at an IPF sanctioned meet in Australia.
The g rowing i nterest i n powerlifting in recent years has been credited to the creation of the raw category (which requires less equipment compared to the equipped category), making the sport more accessible to the general public. Powerlifting seems to also attract demographics not usually associated with lifting heavy weights, including senior citizens and women, because of the focus on health, safety and lifting with proper form.
Research has shown that lifting heavy weights over time will help fight osteoporosis as it not only maintains bone mass but can even build new bone, especially in the high-risk group of post-menopausal women.
KPM 2018 is sponsored by Crossfit Kuching, Breadwinners, Bedwetters, Samurai, Zealfit, Redbull, Reebok, Standard Issue and Maxler. Clement of Crossfit Kuching can be contacted for more information via email at crossfitkuching@ gmail.com or mobile number 010-9669311.
Further information about the competition including start times for each category can be found on Instagram via the handle @ powerliftingkchofficial or the “Powerlifting Kuching” Facebook page.