Indian Powerlifter Kasturi Rajamani Wins Silver Medal at Asian Para Games
Kasturi Rajamani secures silver in womens powerlifting at the Asian Para Games, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill.
Nagoya, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : At the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, India celebrated another triumph in powerlifting as Kasturi Rajamani clinched a silver medal in the women’s 67-kilogram category. The 42-year-old athlete from Tamil Nadu lifted 108 kilograms in her final attempt, securing her place on the podium.
Rajamani finished second, trailing Uzbekistan’s Rukhshona Ukhtamova, who won gold with a lift of 127 kilograms. South Korea’s Kim Hyunghui took home the bronze medal after lifting 107 kilograms.
Throughout the competition, Rajamani demonstrated consistent improvement. She began with a lift of 103 kilograms, followed by a successful 106-kilogram attempt. Her final lift of 108 kilograms was crucial, as it placed her ahead of Kim, who could not surpass her previous best. The tight competition saw just a 1-kilogram difference between their best lifts, solidifying Rajamani’s silver medal position.
This achievement is particularly significant for Rajamani, who had finished fifth in the previous edition of the Asian Para Games. Her recent performance reflects her progress in the sport and marks a pivotal moment in her career. Despite being disabled due to polio and facing numerous personal challenges, including the loss of her mother at a young age, Rajamani has persevered, with her grandmother raising her. Winning the silver medal in Aichi-Nagoya adds a new chapter to her inspiring journey.
Rajamani’s medal is the second for India in para powerlifting at these games. Earlier, Ashok Kumar Malik opened the country’s medal tally by winning silver in the men’s 65-kilogram category. His performance improved from the last edition, where he secured a bronze.
With both Malik and Rajamani now among the medal winners, India’s standing in para powerlifting at this continental event has been further strengthened. Rajamani’s impressive lift not only earned her the silver medal but also showcased her determination, with each successful attempt bringing her closer to the podium.
