Empowering Women Through SQUAT

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Ideashop Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd and Jasmine Fitness Center, Tripureshwor jointly organized Nepal Life 4th Interclub Women’s Squat Competition on March 6-7, 2019. The preliminary selection round of this two-day event was held on March 6, 2019 at Jasmine Fitness Centre, in Tripureshwor. The finals were held at LABIM Mall Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Mr. Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur, was the Chief Guest of the program along, which had various other dignitaries.  A total of 220 participants competed for the title whereby 31 participants were qualified for the final round. 

In the category of below 60 kg, Ms. Oliva Maharjan representing Physique Workshop club won the first position by lifting 125 kgs, whereas Ms. Aruna Basnet representing Rage Fitness Club won the second position by lifting 115 kgs. Similarly, Ms. Jyoti Thapa representing Rani Pauwa Sports Club, Pokhara won the third position by lifting 100 kgs.

In the category of above 60 kg, Ms Bipasi Tuladhar representing Gymkhana Muay Thai club won the first position by lifting 150 kg and Ms Uma Maharjan representing The Work Station Club won the second position by lifting 140 kgs. Similarly, Ms Bidhya Rai representing Nepal Byayam Mandir Club won the third position by lifting 140 kgs.

This year is the fourth edition of the women squat competition, which started in 2016. When we asked Mr. Niroj Lama more about his inspiration for creating this platform, he responded: "In the fitness world, the involvement of women has been extremely low even when the market has high business prospects. So talking in terms of fitness activities for women, there are a different practices like aerobics, yoga, and zumba but women haven’t been that motivated to undertake lifting. Being in this industry, it’s noticeable that women stay away from lifting because they think that they too will gain muscles the same way men do, even though that is not the case from a fitness point-of-view. Women can do lifting, just like the men do. So thinking along the same vein, the idea of encouraging a squat event to inspire and motivate women originated. Moreover, the reason this event is being conducted on International Women’s Day is to spread a message to empower and encourage women    from housewives to office women and even students as well."