Aichi-Nagoya, 20 October (H.S.): Indian para-powerlifter Ashok Kumar Malik made history at the 2026 Asian Para Games by winning the silver medal in the men’s 65kg category. His achievement secured India’s first medal in para powerlifting at this edition of the continental competition.

Ashok clinched second place by successfully lifting 192kg in his second attempt, having opened with a lift of 187kg. He then attempted to lift 201kg in his final attempt in a bid to win the gold medal, but was unable to complete the lift.

China’s Yi Zhou claimed the gold medal with a lift of 216kg, while Indonesia’s Margono secured the bronze with 177kg.

Ashok had won bronze at the previous edition of the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. He improved on that performance this time by securing silver. He is among India’s leading para-powerlifters in the men’s 65kg category and also represented the country at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

With Ashok’s silver medal, India’s overall medal tally at the 2026 Asian Para Games rose to 22, comprising five gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar