Parmjeet kumar made additional history on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian to earn a gold medal at the senior level in the world para powerlifting championships, winning the men’s 49kg total event at the 2023 tournament in Dubai, two years after capturing a historic bronze medal.
Parmjeet’s historic achievement, which also meant his promotion from bronze to gold in the world championships, came a day after Honey Dabas won India’s first-ever younger gold medal at the Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City.
The 31-year-old Parmjeet Singh from Punjab demonstrated strength and commitment by successfully lifting weights of 150 kg, 155 kg, and 157 kg, attaining a total of 462 kg, which was enough to outperform his colombian counterpart, Morales Gonzalez, who secured the silver medal with a total lift of 444 kg.
Following his performance on Wednesday, Parmjeet is ranked sixth in the Paris 2024 qualifying standings. The top eight players in the standings through June 2024 are eligible to compete in the Paris Paralympics.
The main coach, j.p. singh, attributed the team’s accomplishment to their combined efforts, emphasising the importance of collaboration in obtaining these exceptional medal wins. Individual gold was won by incumbent Asian Para Games champion Le Van Cong of Vietnam, who lifted 176kg, barely one kilogramme more than Jordan’s paralympic winner, Omar Qarada (175).
More than 500 powerlifters from 80 countries are participating in the global championships, which are being hosted in Dubai for the third time.
Featured Image: ZEE5