How she rose to power

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsNeha Rose Mathew’s leap from an amateur power-lifter to a national sub-junior record holder within a year might be a stepping stone to greater heights.Spotted while playing basketball at the Regional Sports Centre, the 14-year old stamped her mark at the sub-junior national power-lifting championship recently, winning the above 90kg event. What’s more, she is poised to take on the seniors in the state championship beginning on August 15. To coach P Sherry, Neha’s build indicated a strength quite different from the rest as she powered a basketball into the hoop. Having observed her raw power, Sherry, a former national champion herself, spoke volumes of Neha’s possibilities in the powerlifting arena.“Power-lifting is yet to become popular among Malayalis, especially girls. Also, finding a girl who understands the value of her build is quite difficult,” she said.So, how good is the Class IX student from St Gregorian Public School, Maradu?“Very good. Her national record states that she has a bright future,” said her coach.And does the youngster, who holds a strong passion for basketball, feel that power-lifting is a bit tougher?“Initially, I was not quite sure about the event because it was a completely different sport. But, now, I have begun to enjoy it thoroughly,” Neha said.She goes on to add that beating the Maharashtrian Under-18 champion at the event gave her the much-needed boost. “It was the first time I had gone for the national championship." Coach Sherry feels that it is always better to pick power-lifters at a very young age.“Just like any other sport, the lifters would do better if they are picked very young.In power-lifting, especially in India, it is an added advantage as there is much lesser competition. If the person has enough potential, he or she can reach the limelight soon,” she said.Neha has encouragement from all sides, making it easier for the young girl who is also interested in table tennis. “My aunt was a state-level table tennis player. There are a few other sportsmen in my family but nobody has ever tried power-lifting,” she said.Does she feel a bit bad when the boys in her school make fun of her build or her event? “No, not as much as most people suppose,” Neha says, smiling.So, what does she think about the Olympics?“Power-lifting has not yet been included as an event in the Olympics. I heard that weightlifting is tougher than power-lifting. However, I hope to make it there one day,” she said.Neha is hopeful of flying to Kazakhstan to compete in her first-ever Asian championship.first published:August 14, 2012, 09:30 ISTlast updated:August 14, 2012, 09:30 IST
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Neha Rose Mathew’s leap from an amateur power-lifter to a national sub-junior record holder within a year might be a stepping stone to greater heights.

Spotted while playing basketball at the Regional Sports Centre, the 14-year old stamped her mark at the sub-junior national power-lifting championship recently, winning the above 90kg event. What’s more, she is poised to take on the seniors in the state championship beginning on August 15.

To coach P Sherry, Neha’s build indicated a strength quite different from the rest as she powered a basketball into the hoop. Having observed her raw power, Sherry, a former national champion herself, spoke volumes of Neha’s possibilities in the powerlifting arena.

“Power-lifting is yet to become popular among Malayalis, especially girls. Also, finding a girl who understands the value of her build is quite difficult,” she said.

So, how good is the Class IX student from St Gregorian Public School, Maradu?“Very good. Her national record states that she has a bright future,” said her coach.And does the youngster, who holds a strong passion for basketball, feel that power-lifting is a bit tougher?

“Initially, I was not quite sure about the event because it was a completely different sport. But, now, I have begun to enjoy it thoroughly,” Neha said.

She goes on to add that beating the Maharashtrian Under-18 champion at the event gave her the much-needed boost. “It was the first time I had gone for the national championship." Coach Sherry feels that it is always better to pick power-lifters at a very young age.

“Just like any other sport, the lifters would do better if they are picked very young.

In power-lifting, especially in India, it is an added advantage as there is much lesser competition. If the person has enough potential, he or she can reach the limelight soon,” she said.

Neha has encouragement from all sides, making it easier for the young girl who is also interested in table tennis. “My aunt was a state-level table tennis player. There are a few other sportsmen in my family but nobody has ever tried power-lifting,” she said.

Does she feel a bit bad when the boys in her school make fun of her build or her event? “No, not as much as most people suppose,” Neha says, smiling.

So, what does she think about the Olympics?

“Power-lifting has not yet been included as an event in the Olympics. I heard that weightlifting is tougher than power-lifting. However, I hope to make it there one day,” she said.

Neha is hopeful of flying to Kazakhstan to compete in her first-ever Asian championship.