Peren powerlifter returns with triple gold from Nepal

Asks peers to steer clear of intoxicantsMorung Express News Dimapur | October 13Nagaland powerlifter Namteulung Newme returned home to Dimapur on Tuesday after clinching three gold medals for India at the World Cup Powerlifting Championship 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal, sweeping the squat, bench press, and deadlift events in the sub-junior below-82 kg division.Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Dimapur airport, Newme said the meet, held on October 9 and 10, saw stiff competition, with 21 athletes contesting his category. He described the championship as his most competitive outing to date.Newme said that self-doubt almost got the better of him before the meet. Intimidated by rivals with prior experience at national and international levels, he had called his mother two days before the contest, telling her he might not be able to pull it off.Crediting his mother for his success, Newme said her unwavering support kept him from quitting. He recalled how she woke up early each morning to cook his meals, adjusted to his night shift schedule, and ensured his diet remained on track when he returned too exhausted from training to prepare food himself.Hailing from Jalukie in Peren district, Newme started powerlifting in 2020. With no gym facilities in his hometown at the time, he initially relied on videos and reels before organised competitions gradually emerged in Nagaland.Newme currently works as a trainer at Puithing Gym in Jalukie, commuting regularly to Dimapur to train under his coach, Moalung. He also noted guidance received from powerlifting official Sunil. According to him, his travel and participation expenses were covered entirely by his family members and gym clients. He added that he intends to prepare for upcoming competitions.Asked for his message to the youth, Newme observed that many of his peers get sidetracked by parties and alcohol, urging them to stay focused and bring about positive change. “Change should come from within,” he said.For aspiring power-lifters, he said, “Get proper guidance first. When entering powerlifting, don’t just chase heavy weights right away. Add weight gradually, build your knowledge step by step.”