"Kitakyushu World Para Powerlifting" World records keep falling

The Japan Para Powerlifting Federation (JPPF) hosted the "Kitakyushu 2018 World Para Powerlifting Asia-Oceania Open Championships" (Co-hosted by the Japan Disabled Sports Association Japan Paralympic Committee and Kitakyushu City) at the Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center Grand Hall in Fukuoka from September 8th to 12th.

Para Powerlifting was adopted as an official event (then called Weightlifting) at the 1964 Tokyo Paralympics. The bench press event, for athletes with lower limb impairments, involves lowering a barbell to chest level while lying supine, then lifting it in one swift motion to compete for the heaviest weight. Though each attempt lasts only a few seconds, the dramatic display of explosive power in that instant, combined with entertainment elements like background music and live commentary, is increasing its popularity.
Classification is based solely on gender and weight, with no disability-specific divisions. Multiple world records exist that surpass the performances of able-bodied athletes under the same conditions.

This event marks Japan's first-ever hosting of an international competition. For athletes from the Asia-Oceania region, participation is mandatory for qualification to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, drawing over 200 athletes from 33 countries worldwide.

Notable participants included Taiwan's Lin Tzu-hui, a gold medalist in Athens and Beijing and bronze medalist in Rio; Iran's Majid Farzin, a two-time champion at both the Paralympics and World Championships; and Iran's Shiamand Rahman, hailed as the world's strongest Paralympian. Siamand Rahman of Iran, China's Fu Lili who won gold in her World Championships debut last year, and China's Tan Yujiao, holder of the record for five consecutive tournament victories, among the world's elite, participated and drew significant attention.

From host nation Japan, 29 athletes participated, including Paralympic veterans Miura Hiroshi, Nishizaki Tetsuo, Uki Gen, and Odo Hideki.

The women's 45kg category on the first day saw significant excitement, including China's Guo Linlin breaking her own world record with a lift of 114kg.
Japanese athletes also performed well. On the third day, Kentaro Higuchi in the men's 72kg class and Karin Morisaki in the women's 67kg class both set new Japanese records. On the fourth day, Hideki Odo in the 88kg class successfully lifted 195kg, winning the bronze medal.

On the final day, the "open weight" category competition took place, further electrifying the venue.

In the women's 86kg class, Chinese athletes Li Fenmei and Zeng Feifei successively broke the Asian record against each other. Li won the gold medal by successfully lifting 138kg on her third attempt. In the women's 86kg+ class, China's Deng Humei also demonstrated overwhelming strength, breaking the Asian record on all three of her attempts.

In the men's 107kg+ category, the most anticipated athlete, Rahman, holder of the 310kg world record, made his entrance. He electrified the venue by successfully lifting 270kg on his first attempt, overwhelming his rivals. Although Rahman was ruled unsuccessful on his third attempt, his successful 280kg lift on his second attempt secured him an undisputed victory. In the same category, Iran's Mansour Polmirasai took second place with 245kg, while Japan's Taiji Matsuzaki placed ninth with 136kg.

A total of eight world records (including junior records) were set across both men's and women's events at this competition.
At the closing ceremony, JPPF Chairman Susumu Yoshida stated, "We were able to host such a grand event thanks to the national teams, sponsors, and all those involved in the tournament's operation. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude," bringing the five days of intense competition to a close.

JPPF Site: http://jppf.jp/index