"READY STEADY TOKYO" Powerlifting

Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games, the powerlifting test event (co-hosted by the Japan Para Powerlifting Federation) from the Organizing Committee's READY STEADY TOKYO series took place on September 26 and 27 at the Tokyo International Forum, the actual competition venue. Over 60 athletes from 14 countries participated.
(Image ⓒ Fort Kishimoto)

Powerlifting is the general term for competitions where athletes lift a barbell loaded with weights, competing based on the weight lifted. At the Paralympics, the bench press event is held, where athletes lift the barbell from a lying position on a platform. Since it targets athletes with lower limb impairments, upper body strength is their only weapon, yet some athletes lift weights exceeding three times their own body weight.
It became an official Paralympic sport at the 1964 Tokyo Games (then called weightlifting). Women's events began at the 2000 Sydney Games, and in recent years, athletes have come from over 110 countries.
At the 2020 Games, ten weight classes each for men and women are scheduled.

The event begins when the athlete removes the barbell from the rack and holds it with arms fully extended. Upon the referee's command, the athlete pauses the barbell at chest level once, then pushes it straight up with elbows locked to return it to the starting position.
The lifter holds the barbell in the correct position, then returns it to the rack. Three judges evaluate each attempt; success is indicated by two or more white lights illuminating.
Victory is decided in an instant, and the tense atmosphere in the venue transforms into cheers upon a successful lift.

Powerhouse nations span a wide range, including Middle Eastern countries, Asia, and Africa, thanks to the sport's global popularity. A notable figure is Iran's Siamand Rahman (Men's 107+ kg). At the 2016 Rio Games, he lifted a world record 310 kg, winning his second Paralympic gold medal.
Japanese athletes have participated since the 1996 Atlanta Games. Past medalists exist, and training is intensifying with the goal of winning medals at the 2020 Games.

At this Games, Tetsuo Nishizaki (49kg class) won a bronze medal, Eri Yamamoto (55kg class) won gold with a new Japanese record, Kentaro Higuchi (72kg class) also won gold with a new Japanese record, Katsuhito Nakatsuji (107kg+ class) took silver, and Hideki Odo (88kg class) won gold, raising expectations for 2020.