Nagoya, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s para powerlifting campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games received another boost on Wednesday as Kasthuri Rajamani won silver in the women’s 67kg category with a best lift of 108kg.
The 42-year-old athlete from Tamil Nadu finished second behind Uzbekistan’s Rukhshona Uktamova, who claimed gold with a lift of 127kg. South Korea’s Kim Hyeonghui secured bronze with a best effort of 107kg.
Rajamani built her performance steadily, successfully lifting 103kg in her opening attempt before improving to 106kg in the second. She then cleared 108kg in her final attempt to secure her place on the podium.
The battle for silver remained open until the closing stages, with Rajamani moving ahead of Kim after the South Korean lifter failed to improve on her earlier best. The one-kilogram difference between their top lifts proved decisive.
The silver medal marks a significant improvement for Rajamani, who finished fifth at the previous edition of the Asian Para Games. Her latest performance highlights her progress in the sport and adds another achievement to her competitive career.
Rajamani, who has polio-related impairment affecting both legs, has overcome considerable personal challenges. She lost her mother during childhood and was subsequently raised by her grandmother. Her podium finish in Aichi-Nagoya adds another milestone to her sporting journey.
Rajamani’s medal is India’s second in para powerlifting at the ongoing Games. Ashok Kumar Malik opened the country’s medal account in the discipline on Tuesday by winning silver in the men’s 65kg category. Malik also improved on his performance at the previous edition, where he won bronze.
With Rajamani joining Malik among the medallists, India have strengthened their presence in para powerlifting at the continental competition. Her successful 108kg lift secured a valuable silver medal after a determined performance in the final.
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