India Shines at World Para Powerlifting World Cup 2025 with Four Medals
India's Impressive Start at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup
Beijing, China - On June 22, India made a significant impact on the inaugural day of the World Para Powerlifting World Cup 2025, securing four medals: one Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze. This strong performance marks a promising beginning for India's international endeavors.
The event, organized by the World Para Powerlifting Organization (WPPO), features elite para powerlifters from over 40 nations and is a vital qualification opportunity for the upcoming 2026 World Championships and the Paris 2028 Paralympic Games.
Gulfam Ahmed kicked off India's medal tally by earning a Bronze in the fiercely contested Men's Elite 59kg category. He successfully lifted 145kg in his first attempt and achieved a personal best of 151kg in his second. Although his third attempt at 153kg was narrowly disqualified, his earlier lifts secured India's first medal of the competition.
In the Men's Elite 72kg category, Ramubhai Bambhava contributed another Bronze medal to India's collection with a successful lift of 151kg on his first try. Despite his subsequent attempts at 155kg and 156kg not being validated, his initial lift was sufficient to earn him a podium finish in the Best Lift classification.
Veteran lifter Joby Mathew showcased an exceptional performance in the Masters category, clinching Gold in the Total Lift and Silver in the Best Lift. After an unsuccessful first lift of 140kg, he rebounded with impressive lifts of 145kg and 150kg, demonstrating technical precision and garnering admiration, thus adding two medals to India's tally.
The Indian team, representing the Paralympic Committee of India, is backed by a committed group of coaches and officials, competing with a focus on excellence, preparation, and national pride.
Chief Coach JP Singh remarked, “Our athletes have displayed incredible determination. Gulfam, Joby, and Ramubhai have set a remarkable example of consistency and bravery. We are optimistic that more medals will come our way tomorrow.”
Nitin Arya, CEO of India Para Powerlifting, expressed pride in the achievements, stating, “This is a proud moment for the entire para powerlifting community in India. These results reflect the athletes' discipline, the federation's strategic planning, and the collective efforts of our coaches and support team. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring India's ongoing success on the global stage.”
The World Para Powerlifting World Cup spans several days, featuring competitions in both Elite and NextGen divisions, adhering to strict international classification and technical standards. For India, this event represents more than just a quest for medals; it is a pathway to global recognition and Paralympic success.
India's Medal Tally – Day 1:
• Gold – Joby Mathew (Masters Category – Total Lift)
• Silver – Joby Mathew (Masters Category – Best Lift)
• Bronze – Gulfam Ahmed (Men's Elite 59kg – Best Lift)
• Bronze – Ramubhai Bambhava (Men's Elite 72kg – Best Lift)
The Indian contingent is set to continue competing in various categories, with high hopes of increasing their medal count.