Twenty-six-year old weightlifter Maibam Itomba Meitei is on cloud nine these days. He recently entered the Guinness Book of World Records after completing the most number of consecutive Pinky pull ups.
A resident of Naoremthong Samusang in Imphal West District, Itomba made his first attempt at achieving the record in 2012.
During his second attempt in March this year at the SAI NERC complex, he managed to do 16 pull ups in 30 seconds using two fingers, breaking the previous world record of 16 pull ups in a minute by an American weight lifter.
He received official confirmation in July.
"For a long time, I have been trying to make this happen. When I got the official certificate, I felt so happy. I feel like crying, and now, I feel that I have done something that makes my birth worthy," said the Guinness Record holder.
Itomba currently runs an iron and steel furniture work shop to earn a livelihood.
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The young weightlifter has received several state and national awards.
He had trained intensively for the world record and hopes to continue achieving more such feats.
Maibam Tolen, Itomba's uncle said, "I am so happy to know that he has been selected for the Guinness Record. It has been possible only because of his hard work."
Youth of the region are extremely talented and with a little bit of support, they can go a long way in achieving laurels for the country.
The achievements of people like Itomba will inspire youngsters to work hard, besides instilling in them a sense of pride.