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Malaysia Sets New Standards

From August 23 to 29 2002 the 3rd Powerlifting World Championships took place in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia. A total of 240 athletes participated, thereof 82 female and 158 male competitors, from 45 countries.The high standard of competitions, excellent accessibility at the large venue as well as great training facilities, made these Championships comparable to the Paralympic Games’ standards.

Mario Hochberg from Germany lifting 200 kg

The Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sport took part in the Opening Ceremony. After having experienced some competitions, the atmosphere and the powerful Paralympic Spirit, the Minister officially promised to make sure that Malaysian sport for persons with a disability receive more financial assistance in the future.

“These Championships were a great success and besides the professional control of the competitions we were all very impressed with the friendly manner and the always present smiles of the involved officials and volunteers,” said Pol Wautermartens, IPC Chairperson of Powerlifting.

During the competitions, 60 doping controls were carried out. Seven new world records were set by six female athletes and one male athlete. For female athletes, lifting two times their bodyweight is not an exception anymore. Based on the officially adopted Powerlifting Hal Coefficient Formula,Tamara Podpalnaya—52 kg category (Russia), Fatma Omar—44 kg category (Egypt) and Jianxin Bian— 48 kg category (China) were named respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd Best Female Athlete.The three Best Male Athletes were Zhang Haidong—75 kg category (China), Park Jong Chul—82.50 kg category (Korea) and Keum- Jong Jung—60 kg category (Korea).

Egypt topped the final medal tally with seven gold medals of the total 14 medals received. China was not far behind with six gold medals and also 14 medals overall. Iran achieved third place with two gold medals and eight medals all in all.

The IPC Powerlifting Sports Assembly was held during the competitions. The major decision was to investigate the effects of a possible independence of Powerlifting.