Kasthuri Rajamani's Efforts Fall Short in Paralympic 67kg Powerlifting

India's Kasthuri Rajamani, a 40-year-old powerlifter from Tamil Nadu, finished eighth in the women's 67kg event at the Paralympic Games, lifting 106kg. Despite matching her personal best, she struggled to lift 110kg. China's Yujiao Tan won gold, breaking both world and Paralympic records with a lift of 142kg.

India's Kasthuri Rajamani equalled her personal best lift but failed to make an impact, finishing eighth among nine competitors in the women's 67kg powerlifting event at the Paralympic Games here on Friday.

The 40-year-old from Tamil Nadu lifted 106kg in her second attempt after failing in the first and again faltered in her third and final bid to heave 110kg. Kasthuri, who had finished fifth at the Hangzhou Para Games in 2023, had taken up powerlifting at the insistence of a para shooter friend and had won gold at the Khelo India Para Games last year in the 67kg category.

In contrast, 33-year-old Yujiao Tan of China, a two-time Paralympics champion and four-time world champion, secured another title, setting a new world and Paralympic record with a lift of 142kg. Egypt's Fatma Elyan claimed the silver medal with a lift of 139kg, while Brazil's Fatima de Maria took bronze with 133kg.

(With inputs from agencies.)