#5 Powerlifting
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Powerlifting is the ultimate test of strength for the disabled athletes. The sport has been based on the lines of weightlifting but as the athletes competing in Paralympics are disabled, the sport has several differences when compared to weightlifting.
The men’s powerlifting has been a part of the Paralympic Games since Tokyo 1964, while the women’s sport started only at Sydney 2000.
Powerlifting as a whole involves three phases where squats, bench press and deadlift are involved.
However, in the Paralympic Games, the sport involves the athletes to lift up weight while in the bench press position only. Powerlifting is governed by the International Paralympic Committee and is open to anyone with a minimum level of disability who can extend their arms within 20° of full extension during a lift.
The athlete who successfully lifts the most weight at the competition is declared as the gold medal winner. At the Rio Paralympics, there are 10 weight categories in the sport where both the men’s and women’s medal events will take place.
A total of 120 athletes from 60 countries will take part in 20 powerlifting events.
