Nagoya, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Ashok Kumar Malik clinched the silver medal in the men’s 65kg para powerlifting event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, adding another international achievement to his decorated career.
Malik secured his place on the podium by successfully lifting 192kg in his second attempt. He opened with 187kg in his first attempt but could not lift 201kg in his final attempt.
A 17-time national champion, Malik has established himself as a consistent performer on the international circuit. His continental achievements include gold at the 2022 Asia-Oceania Championship, bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2022 and another bronze at the 2026 Asian Championship.
He has also enjoyed success at the Para Powerlifting World Cup, winning silver at the 2023 edition in Egypt, gold at the 2024 Pattaya World Cup and bronze at the 2024 Tbilisi World Cup.
Originally from Mirzapur Khedi in Gohana tehsil of Haryana’s Sonipat district, Malik contracted polio at the age of five. However, the early challenge did not deter his sporting ambitions.
While studying in Delhi, he drew inspiration from the 2010 Commonwealth Games and developed an interest in sports. He took up powerlifting in 2011, beginning a journey that would eventually bring him national and international recognition.
Winning gold at the 2022 Asia-Oceania Championship was among the defining moments of his career.
Malik also overcame personal hardship following the death of his father in 2020, after which his mother took responsibility for supporting him and his brother. His aunt helped provide resources for his sporting ambitions, while coach JP Singh guided his development. Friend Vikram Singh Mor also supported him with training and nutritional needs.
Para powerlifting is a strength sport in which athletes compete in the bench press, with competitors given three attempts to lift the heaviest possible weight. Rankings are determined by the weight successfully lifted.
Malik’s silver medal adds to India’s para-sport achievements at the ongoing continental event.
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