Mangaluru teen Israr Pasha bags 2 gold medals in Commonwealth Powerlifting

coastaldigest.com news network
September 23, 2017

Mangaluru, Sept 23: Israr Pasha, a college student from this coastal city, has clinched two gold and one silver medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship recently held in South Africa.

The-18-year old boy secured gold in classic benchpress and equipped powerlifting, and won silver at the classic powerlifting sport.

In a short span of three years, the international champion has reached great heights, from winning various medals at district, state and national level championships held from 2014. The defining moment prior to the Commonwealth Games was his win at the 2016 South Indian National Sub-Junior competition at Nagpur, where he clinched gold amidst tough competition.

Pasha reveals that hard work, passion, and practice are the three secrets to his success. He lauds his mother Khathija as his primary motivator, right from creating the perfect environment at home to taking care of his every need. His father Abdulla, his brother, his friends, coaches Satish Kumar and Pracheth K have been equally encouraging.

Friends and wellwishers at the Veeranjaneya Gym and the Balanjaneya Gym at Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru are ecstatic about his win. “I had to put in four hours of practice every single day”, he says. ”My coaches motivated me to the maximum”.

His time in South Africa was exciting, after weeks of coaching and camps conducted by the Indian Government. “The winning moment for me was when I lifted 205kg”, he reckons. “I started out four years ago lifting a mere 50kg. Today I can lift up to 500kg”, he laughs. “My parents are super-parents. They have been extremely motivating throughout. I’ve started training my brother in this field as well”, he beams.

The most enriching part about the whole experience is the respect that he gets in society now. “From being the Best Sportsman of the Year at Aloysius PU College three years ago, I have come to this level. The respect I get from society is the most fulfilling part”, he smiles.

Pasha believes that women too have great scope in this sport. He asserts that women can lift better than men, and that all they need is a good coach. His dream is to get into airport management, and open a gym one day.

Asked to describe his journey in a single word, Pasha has a great answer: “Awesome!” Pasha is a student of I BBM of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangaluru and a resident of Kulshekar area in the city. 

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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News Network
November 27,2025

imrankhan.jpg

Authorities at Pakistan’s high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Wednesday dismissed speculation about the condition of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, rejecting rumours that he had been moved out of the facility or was in danger. Officials said Khan was in “good health” and described the viral death claims as “baseless.”

“There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala Jail,” the Rawalpindi prison administration said in a statement, according to Geo News. “He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.”

Amid swirling rumours on social media, Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urged the federal government to issue an official clarification and demanded that authorities allow his family to meet him immediately, Dawn reported.

The frenzy began after Khan’s three sisters called for an impartial probe into what they described as a “brutal” police assault on them and other PTI supporters outside Adiala Jail last week. Soon after, several social media handles circulated unverified claims alleging that Khan had been “killed” inside the prison.

The rumours intensified when a handle named “Afghanistan Times” claimed that “credible sources” had confirmed Khan’s “murder” and that his body had been moved out of the jail — allegations that have not been verified by any credible agency.

Imran Khan, PTI’s patron-in-chief, has been lodged in the Rawalpindi prison since August 2023 in multiple cases. For over a month, an undeclared restriction has prevented family members and senior PTI leaders from meeting him. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reportedly been denied access despite making seven attempts.

In a letter to Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar, Khan’s sisters — Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr. Uzma Khan — said they were “peacefully protesting” outside the jail when police allegedly launched an unprovoked assault after streetlights were switched off.

“At 71, I was seized by my hair, thrown to the ground and dragged across the road,” Noreen Niazi said, alleging that other women present were also slapped and manhandled.

Adiala Jail officials reiterated that speculation over Imran Khan’s health was unfounded and insisted that his well-being was being ensured, Geo News reported.

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News Network
December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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