The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have brought to light an illustrious list of Indian sportspersons who put up exceptional performances. India sent a large contingent of 54 para-athletes to nine Paralympic events. It finished 24th in the overall medals tally out of 162 nations – the highest ever position. Amongst the many Paralympian headed to Tokyo, there are two specific athletes who have come a long way in their sports career. Powerlifting is tough as it is given that strength needs to be generated from almost every part of the body, but Jaideep Deswal and Sakina Khatun have made the impossible possible with their actions.
Bengal Paralympic Association hosted the 19th Senior & 14th Junior National Para Powerlifting Championship 2022 in Kolkata from 18th to 20th March 2022 at Sports Authority of India, Indoor Table Tennis Hall, Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre under the aegis of the Paralympic Committee of India supported by SAI and west Bengal sports Department.
The Event was graced by the presence of the eminent Para-Sports persons from all across the country which gave an unique opportunity to get an insight into the world of Para-Sports which was shared by none other than the President of Paralympic Committee of India, Padmashree Dr. Deepa Malik, Olympian, Arjuna & Khel Ratna awardee along with other International Medal Winners whose invaluable contributions made it possible to win 19 medals in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Arround 140 para-powerlifters, 40 Officials, coaches and escorts coming from as many as 13 States of the Country participated in this Mega National Championship. It is no less than a record for the State with such high number of participants and officials were present under the umbrella of Bengal Paralympic Association and this Championship will serve as a selection platform for the upcoming International Events like XXII Commonwealth Games & Asian Games where Para-Events will be played in the same venue of separate dates as for Regular Players.
The organisers said,” In fact, it interesting to know that unlike regular powerlifting events Para-Powerlifting events are guided by World Para Powerlifting (“WPPO”) Rules and Regulations and the International Paralympic Committee “IPC” acts as the International Federation for the sport of Para powerlifting. The grouping of the Athletes into Sport Classes is done according to how much their impairment affects fundamental activities in each specific sport or discipline further body weight categories are maintained based on which on ‘Bench Press’ is the only category for ranking of Para Competitors where they must lower the bar to their chest, stops on the chest and then press it upwards to arms-length with locked elbows. ”
Gursharan Singh, PCI Secretary General,”“We respect the spirit of Para powerlifters and salute their quest to perform to the best of their ability and who make us proud by pushing boundaries and challenging odds with their undying spirit and relentless effort”
