Ashok Falls Short in Para Powerlifting at Paralympics

India's Ashok finished sixth in the men's 65kg para powerlifting final at the Paralympics. Despite lifting 196kg, 199kg, and 206kg, he couldn't secure a podium finish. China's Yi Zou won gold, Britain's Mark Swan took silver, and Algeria's Hocine Bettir claimed bronze.

India's Ashok fell short of expectations, securing sixth place in the men's 65kg para powerlifting final at the Paralympics on Thursday.

Ashok lifted 196kg initially, progressed to 199kg, and concluded with a 206kg lift. Despite his efforts, it wasn't enough for a podium finish among the eight competitors. China's Yi Zou clinched the gold medal with a 215kg lift, while Britain's Mark Swan took silver, and Algeria's Hocine Bettir earned bronze with lifts of 215kg and 213kg respectively.

Para powerlifting, a bench press event testing upper body strength, features athletes with hip or leg impairments competing in different weight categories. Ashok, from Gohana in Sonipat, contracted polio as a child and hoped for a better outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)