Rio 2016 preview: Men’s up to 72kg

Multi-Paralympic, world and Asian champion Lei Liu has the golden resume to establish himself as the favourite in the men’s up to 72kg at the Rio 2106 Paralympic Games. But the gap is tight between him and Iraq’s Rasool Mohsin.

Liu will be going for his third consecutive Paralympic gold medal. While he leads the Paralympic rankings (226kg) entering Rio, No. 2 and Beijing 2008 silver medallist Mohsin lifted 225kg at the Asian Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Egypt’s Mohamed Elelfat has been building up over the years and can surprise at Rio 2016. After just missing the podium at Beijing 2008, he returned four years later to capture his first Paralympic medal with a silver in the men’s up to 75kg. Then his golden moment arrived two years later at the World Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a lift of 217kg. Already owning a world title, Elelfat just needs a Paralympic title to come.

You can catch the men’s up to 72kg on 11 September at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. All Para powerlifting events will be contested at the Riocentro – Pavilion 2.