Kyoto sees five new records at Challenge Cup

Kyoto hosted Japan’s best Para powerlifters during two days over the weekend (3-4 October) as athletes had the chance to compete for the first time in a World Para Powerlifting-sanctioned event since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The third edition of the Japan Challenge Cup counted with names such as Hideki Odo (men’s up to 88kg) bronze medallist at the 2018 Asia-Oceania Open Championships and the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia.

Due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the competition was held without spectators.

A total of five new national records were established: 

• Takako Tatsukawa in the women’s up to 61kg.
• Chika Sakamoto in the women’s up to 79kg.
• Tetsuo Nishizaki in the men’s up to 49kg.
• Kazuki Okuyama in the men’s 65kg.
• Yasuji Matsuzaki in the men’s 107kg.

After the competition, Susumu Yoshida, Chairman of the Japanese Para Powerlifting Federation, reflected on the importance of this year's Challenge Cup.

"The Challenge Cup is a gateway to newcomers and  also a possibility for experienced athletes to improve their ranking. This year, the event was held still during the pandemic which reinforced the importance of holding the tournament here."

Both competition days were streamed live and you can watch them again below.

Day 1 – Saturday, 3 October

Day 2 – Sunday, 4 October

Full results from the competition in Kyoto can be found here.