Junior/Masters/Bench Press Nationals and The Melbourne Open Powerlifting competitions were held simultaneously from 4th – 6th August 2017 at Hawthorn, Melbourne.
Melbourne’s Prem Bajaj won a gold medal setting a new national record at this three-day national championship. The competition was attended by over 300 weightlifters from across the nation.
“I clinched gold medal in 83 - 93 Kg weight category. In the Bench Press attempt I lifted 167Kg to set a new national record. The last best was of 166Kg which was set five years ago,” said Mr Bajaj in an interview with SBS Punjabi.
“I am cherishing this moment. It was an open competition, which was attended by Australia’s top powerlifters.”
“I have a passion for powerlifting. I started powerlifting about 33 years ago back in Punjab, India.”
“Before coming to Australia, I had three gold medals from national championships that were held at different times in India.”
Mr Bajaj represented India in a weightlifting competition held in Sydney in 1992.
Prem Bajaj at Melbourne studio (Photo Preetinder Singh Grewal) Source: Photo Preetinder Singh Grewal
“I won a bronze medal for India at the international competition held in Sydney. This was about the time when I decided to move to Australia from my native place in Patiala, Punjab,” said Mr Bajaj.
“Due to some family commitments, I had to abandon my passion of weightlifting from 1992 to 2013."
“I made a comeback in powerlifting by clinching a gold medal in Asia-Oceania International competition held in Singapore in 2014.”
“Representing Australia at an international level gives me sense of pride and happiness. I wish to win a gold medal for Australia at the World championship.”
“I would like to advise my young fellow weightlifters to do regular gym sessions. There is no substitute to hard work.”
Prem Bajaj will be competing at the 16th edition of the Australian Masters Games, which will be hosted in Tasmania from 21st - 28th October 2017
Prem Bajaj also won a gold medal at the Australian Masters Games held at Adelaide in 2015. He gives credit of his success to his wife. Source: Supplied
It is expected over 6,000 participants will compete across over 40 different sports.
The Australian Masters Games is a biennial sporting event that is regarded as one of the premier and largest participation sporting events on the Australian sporting landscape.
