World Para Powerlifting Championships: Parmjeet Kumar creates history by winning gold at senior level

Parmjeet Kumar became the first Indian player to win a gold medal at the senior level in the World Para Powerlifting Championships. Two years after winning the historic bronze medal, he successfully lifted 150 kg, 155 kg and 157 kg. Allover a 31-year-old from Punjab in a display of strength and determination, lifted a total of 462 kg.

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Parmjeet won gold by defeating Colombian rival Morales Gonzalez at the World Para Powerlifting Championships. On the other hand, his Colombian rival had to be satisfied with the silver medal. Morales lifted a total weight of 444 kg. Parmjeet's historic milestone, which also meant his elevation from bronze to gold at World came a day after Honey Dabas clinched the first ever gold in Junior Worlds at the Hilton Dubai- Al Habtoor City.

After achieving this historic achievement in World Para Powerlifting Championships, Parmjeet Expressed happiness. He said the medal was the result of several years of hard work. "I am very happy to get the gold in the Total category. Due to a recent injury in my shoulder, I didn't go for higher weights but was happy to have all the three clear lifts. This is a big motivation as we look ahead to the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games."

After Wednesday's performance, Parmjeet is sixth in the Paris 2024 qualification rankings. The top eight players in the rankings by June 2024 will qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

More than 500 powerlifters from 80 countries are competing in the World Para Powerlifting Championships. The tournament is being held in the emirate city of Dubai for the third time.

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Meanwhile, J.P. Singh, the chief coach, attributed the team's success to their collaborative effort, highlighting the significance of teamwork in achieving these remarkable medal wins. While Reigning Asian Para Games champion Le Van Cong from Vietnam won the individual gold medal. He lifted 176kg, just kg above the Paralympic champion from Jordan Omar Qarada (175).