First Medals Awarded at Powerlifting Championships

The 2010 IPC Powerlifting World Championships saw strong performances on its first day of competition yesterday at the Stadium Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Nazmiye Muslu from Turkey won the gold medal in the women's category of up to 40kg with a world record performance of lifting 105kg. She was followed by Ukraine's Lidiia Soloviova, who had won the gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in this category. Tiecan Fu from China finished third with a lift of 85kg.

In the women's category of up to 44kg, Egypt's Zeinab Oteify took first place with her best lift of 97.5kg. Justyna Kozdryk (POL) came in second, followed by Laura Cerero Gabriel (MEX).

Jordan's Omar Sami Hamadeh Qarada lifted 172.5kg to take the gold medal in the men's category of up to 48kg. Van Cong Le from Vietnam won the silver with a lifted weight of 165kg, followed by Egypt's Taha Adel with 160kg.

Earlier that day, the IPC Powerlifting World Championships began with a colourful Opening Ceremony, with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Cultural Troupe being one of the highlights. The Opening Ceremony also included a parade of athletes who participate in the World Championships, as well as the playing of the host country’s National Anthem “NegaraKu”. A total of 292 athletes from 49 countries will be at the competition.

Competitions will continue through 30 July at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium Titiwangsa, with athletes using their performances to measure their international standing. Athletes will also be competing to prepare for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, were Powerlifting will be part of the Summer Games programme.

Held just after the World Championships on 31 July, many of those participating in the event will be at the 2010 IPC Powerlifting Sport Forum. The forum will be an opportunity for all those involved in the Paralympic Sport to provide feedback and expert information on its future.