New Delhi. In a historic first, Indian powerlifters, Honey Dabas and Rahul Jograjiya, clinched gold and silver medals respectively on the opening day of the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai.
Haney Dabbas clinched the nation’s first-ever gold with lifts of 132 kg and then 135 kg, displaying amazing grit, determination, and strength.
Meanwhile, Jograjiya followed his compatriot to secure the silver medal with a final lift of 132 kg in the fiercely-contested men’s 72 kg junior weight category.
Dabas was ecstatic after his victorious show and thanked his support staff for their continuous support and efforts.
“My next goal is to win a medal at the Paralympics. I will be competing another year in the junior, hoping to make it to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics,” said Dabas, who also expects to qualify for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games.
Meanwhile, Jograjiya said he will be focusing on the senior category after the World Championships.
Chief coach and chairperson of India’s Para-Powerlifting, J.P Singh was elated with the lifters’ show.
“These historic medals are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes. With just one medal to our name in previous World Championships, this triumph resounds as a turning point in our sporting legacy,” he said.
India’s only medal at a World Championships has been claimed by Parmjeet Kumar (men’s -49kg) at the Tbilisi 2021 World Championships.
With an impressive contingent of 20 athletes, India is hoping to make it a memorable championship aiming for medals in several categories. Parmjeet and Manpreet Singh will be in action when the Senior World Championships begin on Wednesday.
Day 1 – Dubai 2023 WPPO C'ships 🏋️🇦🇪
History was made as Honey Dabbas wins first ever GOLD 🥇🇮🇳 for India at a World C'ships with a lift of 135kg in men's -72kg junior category.
Rahul Jograjiya 🥈follows with SILVER with successful lift of 132kg. #parapowerlifting #Dubai2023 pic.twitter.com/keNmHiCUdc
— Paralympic India 🇮🇳 (@ParalympicIndia) August 22, 2023
