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Salem Collector awards Sona’s Powerlifting Champ at 75th Independence Day function

The 75th Independence Day was special to Sona Group of Institutions for many reasons, though observed on low key note because of COVID-19. 

It was the 64th Independence Day celebration at Sona institutions. Presiding over the function and unfurling the national flag, the Vice Chairman, Thyagu Valliappa recounted the role of Sri Karumuttu Thiagarajar as a freedom fighter. Later, at the Independence ceremony of the District Administration the District Collector S.Karmegam honoured individuals and institutions that carried out distinguished service to the community.  Our Chairman Sri C.Valliappa was honoured by the Collector for his noteworthy contributions that supported the District Administration’s efforts to combat COVID-19. Mr. Thyagu Valliappa received the award certificate from the Collector on behalf of the Chairman. 

On the same occasion G.Vinoth, a third year student of Civil Engineering at Sona College of Technology received an award certificate from the Collector for his outstanding performance in the field of sports.  

Vinoth had made Salem District and Sona College of Technology proud by bagging the gold medal in the South India level powerlifting competition held in Hyderabad in January 2020. Earlier in December 2019 he won the silver in the senior state level championship conducted by the Tamilnadu Powerlifting Association. In the same year in September, he won the 1st.place at the national level 120 kg category Sub-Junior, Sub-Junior, Men’s Classic Powerlifting Championship contest conducted by  Powerlifting India.  

A resident of Shevaipet in Salem, G.Vinoth began his powerlifting champion journey only in 2018. He said the gym located near his residence in Shevaipet attracted him initially. After joining the gym he was inspired by the senior power lifters there. As he showed the mark of an emerging champion, he was guided to join the Salem District Powerlifting Association where he honed his skills and began contesting in local events.  

 In the very first year in 2018 he won the bronze at the national level in the bench press event, he says. He was a student of Thiagarajar Polytechnic then. 

A contestant in the 120 Kg category, Vinod’s highest lift was 225 kgs (during squats), 185 kgs during bench press and 250 kg.dead lift. “I am very thankful for the support and encouragement given by the Physical Education Department, the HoD and staff of the Civil Engineering Department at college,” he says. 

Vinoth has set his eyes on getting prizes in the Unviersity competitions and he aims to use it as a launch pad for getting a job in the government.  

He awaits the University competition which has been put on hold due to COVID-19. Sona staff and students community wish him a successful future in his passionate sport.