The eighth round of the national powerlifting selection championships ended on Saturday, with the Herat and Nimroz teams scooping the titles.

The tournament was divided into two categories – classic and professional.

Herat came first in the classic division and Nimroz first in the professional division.

The tournament saw 150 powerlifters, from 17 provinces, in four age categories, across the two divisions, take part.

Officials said 54 powerlifters were selected for the national team following this competition.

“This was the first competition that was held by applying international rules,” said a member of a powerlifting team.

Other powerlifters meanwhile said the level of the competition had been high this year and that they were happy about the event.

“I took part in the 120kg weight category and I set an Afghanistan record,” said a member of the Herat team.

A Nimroz powerlifter also set a record. He said: “I set a record in the 155kg weight category and got a gold medal.”