Sri Lanka’s top powerlifters gathered for the 2026 National Bench Press Championships held on 7 March at Dharmaraja College Wadduwa, organised by the Sri Lanka Powerlifting Federation.
The Federation operates under the purview of the Ministry of Sports Sri Lanka and is affiliated with the International Powerlifting Federation, Asian Powerlifting Federation, and Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation.
>>Fly-half Hakeem Chunchi to steer Zahira Rugby in 2026
The national championship brought together more than 160 athletes, including over 50 female and 110 male competitors, representing some of the strongest powerlifting clubs and institutions in the country. Athletes from leading gyms as well as members of the Tri-Forces competed across multiple weight classes and divisions.
Representing High Octane Fitness, national powerlifting captain Darin delivered a commanding performance in the highly competitive Under-120kg Open category, one of the most demanding divisions in Sri Lankan powerlifting. Demonstrating exceptional strength and experience, Darin successfully bench-pressed 172.5 kg, securing the Gold medal in his category and emerging as Overall Champion of the meet.
Darin also led the High Octane Fitness contingent as team captain, guiding a squad of over 16 athletes competing across the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions as well as the Masters categories. The team delivered an impressive collective performance, finishing the championship with 7 Gold, 4 Silver and 3 Bronze medals, and clinching the Overall Team Championship, including the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Masters titles.
>>Gary Kirsten appointed Head Coach of Sri Lanka Men’s Cricket Team
Darin’s latest victory adds to an already distinguished international powerlifting career. Currently serving as Captain of the Sri Lanka National Powerlifting Team, he has represented the country at more than 12 international competitions. Among his major achievements are being crowned Commonwealth Champion in 2019 in Canada, winning the IPF Masters World Championship in 2024 in South Africa, and securing Silver at the Asian Powerlifting Championships in 2025 in Himeji, Japan.
His continued success not only highlights his personal dedication to the sport but also reflects the growing strength of Sri Lanka’s competitive powerlifting community. Through performances such as these, Darin and the High Octane Fitness team continue to elevate Sri Lanka’s presence on both the regional and global powerlifting stage.
