Iran’s Heavyweight Powerlifters Continue Legacy of Siamand Rahman
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Without any doubt, Iranian legend Siamand Rahman was missed at the Dubai 2023 Worlds but Iranian powerlifters made sure they continued the legacy of the legend, also warning their rivals ahead of the 2022 Asian Para Games.
In men’s over 107 kg, Ahmad Aminzadeh defended his title in style with a powerful lift of 255 kg and hoped to get closer to 300 kg to continue the bequest of Rahman, who holds the world record at 310 kg achieved at Rio 2016. Aminzadeh now aims for a gold medal at Paris 2024 Paralympics, paralympic.org reported.
As expected, compatriot Ali Akbar Gharibshahi produced a powerful show lifting 248 kg to regain his title. He was one kilo better than Mongolia's Paralympic champion Sodnompiljee Enkhbayar (247 kg) and hoped to continue the momentum at the upcoming Asian Para Games.
For the first time ever, six nations including Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Nepal, Yemen, and Zambia took part in the elite championships. Meanwhile, Iran had women representation for the first time at the Para Powerlifting Worlds – Nikoo Rouzbahani and Mahdieh Mohammadian Sarcheshmeh in the women’s over 86 kg and up to 55 kg events, respectively.
Dubai also became the first city to host the World Championships for the third time after its 2014 and 1998 editions.
