MARGAO
Goa’s rising powerlifting talent Aivanna Miranda clinched two gold medals at the 15th National Sub Junior & Junior Classic Powerlifting Championship 2026 held in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, on May 18.
Competing in the 63kg junior category, the Varca lifter won gold in the Bench Press with a lift of 75kg and topped the Deadlift event with an impressive 150kg effort.
Miranda also managed a 130kg squat attempt, but it was ruled out for insufficient depth. The decision remained unchanged despite video evidence being presented.
She has been training consistently for the last four years under coach Darren Coutinho at MADE Fitness Gym, Varca. The double gold achievement marks a significant milestone in her career and further highlights Goa’s growing presence in the national junior powerlifting circuit.
Speaking after the event, Miranda said, “I am deeply grateful to God and my coach for these junior individual gold medals, but I won’t be satisfied until I win an overall gold and become the strongest in the nation.”
She also called for improvements in the conduct of national-level competitions, stating that athletes deserve better facilities and stricter adherence to international standards. Miranda urged the federation to focus on athlete welfare, judging standards, and proper implementation of IPF guidelines to enhance the quality of the sport in India.
