New Delhi, 6 February 2025: With an objective to further promote the Kettlebell sport in India, the Indian Kettlebell Sports Championship 2025, a first of its kind in India, was recently organised in New Delhi in association with the sport’s European body – International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF). The championship garnered an enthusiastic participation of over 60 athletes from 10 states competing under various disciplines based on age, weight and flights. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Padma Shree awardee Dr. Deepa Malik, Former President of Paralympic Committee of India. Dr. Malik handed over the medals and awards to the winning athletes for their stellar performance and zeal.
The Indian Kettlebell Sports Championship 2025 witnessed participation of athletes from varied professions and diverse age groups ranging from 18 years to 69 years of age. Athletes from 10 states such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka participated in the competition alongwith a maiden international entry from Iraq.
The event set historic milestones in the history of Kettlebell sports championship in India as it became the first championship where 6 athletes performed in the same flight. Moreover, it was the first time that 2 female athletes of 60 yrs and 69 yrs age respectively participated in such an event.
Key highlights of the Indian Kettlebell Sports Championship 2025:
- World champion and 6 times Gold medallist from India, Vinay Sangwan became the first Indian to lift double 20 kg bells in long cycle for 30 minutes non-stop securing a national rank, first to be achieved by an Indian.
- Sudesh Sangwan became the oldest Indian female to complete a 30-minute half marathon set in the discipline of half snatch.
- Danish Naushad became the first Indian to lift a 40 kg bell in one arm long cycle format.
- Premchand became the first Indian to lift a 40 kg bell for 10 minutes in half snatch discipline.
- Nirav Koli became the first Indian to complete a 30-minute half marathon set in the discipline of one arm jerk.
- The competition registered an international entry of Mohanad Zeyad from Iraq.
Speaking at the award distribution ceremony at the championship, Dr. Deepa Malik, Former President of Paralympic Committee of India said, “I congratulate the Indian Kettlebell Sports Championship 2025 organizing committee to have put together this event in the most successful and convincing manner. The Indian Kettlebell sport community is gradually evolving across various parts of the country, which is clearly evident with participation of athletes from over 10 states competing in this championship. Moreover, with an international participant as well, it is a true testimony of motivation and encouragement to the growing popularity of Kettlebell sport in our great Nation”.
Vinay Sangwan, also the co-organiser of this championship, is a decorated Indian Kettlebell athlete. Vinay has achieved MSWC (Master of Sport in World Class) rank and 1st position (Gold medal) at IKMF (International Kettlebell Marathon Federation) world championship held in France in 2021. He also won the ‘Amateur World Champion’ title (Gold medalist) at IGSF Kettlebell World Championship held in Melbourne, Australia in 2019. He was the Gold medalist in International Girevoy (Kettlebell) Sport Federation World Champion, Uzbekistan, Bukhara 2018 in the Long Cycle event. He is the current Indian record holder in Long Cycle event (24×2 kg Kettlebells) and has scored Rank 1 at Malaysia Kettlebell Championship 2017.
