Chhabra credits win to Punjabi father, Nepali mother.
AB Wire
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NEW YORK: Amitoj Chhabra, a 20-year-old Indian American based in Nevada, lifted a total of 1,383 pounds at the United States Powerlifting Association National Championships in as Vegas, on July 11, to set a state record and win the junior title.
Chhabra, a 2013 Galena graduate, competed in the 198-pound weight class, a drop of about 20 pounds from his normal weight, reported the Reno Gazetta-Journal.
Chhabra squatted 485 pounds, bench pressed 325 and deadlifted 573 at the competition was held at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. He has added 100 pounds to his deadlift in the past year.
Chhabra, who began powerlifting in December 2013 and began competing in May 2014, is training with Adam Lauritzen of Silverback Strength and Conditioning in Reno.
Chhabra is the son of a Punjabi father and a Nepali mother, which he credits for his strength.
“Both sides have warriors genetics, so I have the warrior drive,” Chhabra said. “Neither my dad, nor my mom, is a quitter. Neither is the culture. We never quit. Ever.”
Chhabra, who works part-time at United Parcel Service, began training to get stronger for competitive Crossfit, but enjoyed powerlifting more, reported the Gazetta-Journal.
“I really like powerlifting. I was always strong, I always had strength, but I didn’t know anything about powerlifting,” Chhabra said.
His goal is to lift 2,000 pounds total, and to compete with international elite powerlifters.
He holds seven Nevada state powerlifting records, three in the 18-19 age division.
Kolo8, local affiliate of ABC, reported Chhabra saying he worked really hard for the title.
“It was surreal. I worked really hard for this,” said Chhabra. “I worked really hard for this. It was a long journey. I’ve been working out since I was 14; competitively powerlifting since last May. I’ve got a lot of great people behind me, like my coach.”
Lauritzen was quoted as saying: “I’m extremely proud. It’s pretty amazing, really. He’s got the genetic talent, he’s got the work ethic. And that only comes along every once in a while.”
“I’m not satisfied with my performance,” admitted Chhabra. “I had to cut about 20 pounds (to make weight) and I think I could have done better, especially in the squat and the bench. Other than that, it feels great. All the hard work, it’s all paid off.”
Kolo reported Chhabra has been dominating the Junior circuit for a while now. He broke four Nevada state records back in October at the Central California Open. That was in the 18-19 age division. He now competes in the 20-23 age group, where he still holds those same records. He currently has seven Nevada state records.
“‘He’s just going to get stronger,” said Lauritzen. “So our job now is to make sure he keeps progressing and stays healthy enough to continue going up.”
“I’d like to dominate in the open division as well. My goal is to dominate,” added Chhabra. “I don’t want to just focus on Junior. I want to be the best of the best.”