The championship is being organised by Karnataka StatePowerlifting Association in association with Iron Games Promoters.
Speaking at the function, the mayor said sports disciplines like powerlifting were not getting adequate support from thegovernment and sportsmen were struggling to getfunds to participate in competitions.
She wanted the government to provide maximum encouragement to powerlifting and said efforts should be made to get it included in the Olympics.
State powerlifting association chairman A Sadananda Shetty, secretary Satish Kumar, former powerlifter EssaPatel and Ananthamurthy Rao, son of former president of"Balanjaneya Powerlifting" were also present.