India’s Ashok Kumar Malik secured the silver medal in the men’s 65kg para powerlifting final at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday.
The 17-time national champion lifted 187kg in his first attempt before successfully raising 192kg in his second. He failed to lift 201kg in his final attempt but secured a podium finish for India.
Para powerlifting features athletes with lower-limb disabilities and those of short stature. Competitors receive three attempts to lift a barbell while lying on a bench, and officials determine rankings based on the weight lifted.
Malik has built an impressive record in international competitions. He won gold at the 2022 Asia-Oceania Championships before securing bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2022 and the 2026 Asian Championships.
His World Cup performances include silver at the 2023 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Egypt, gold at the 2024 Pattaya World Cup and bronze at the 2024 Tbilisi World Cup.
Hailing from Mirzapur Khedi in Haryana’s Sonipat district, Malik contracted polio at the age of five. He discovered his interest in sports while attending college in Delhi, where the 2010 Commonwealth Games inspired him to pursue athletics.
He took up powerlifting in 2011 and steadily developed his career through dedication and training.
Malik’s family and support network played an important role in his journey. After his father died in 2020, his mother supported him and his brother. His aunt helped meet his needs, while coach JP Singh guided his training. Friend Vikram Singh Mor supported his training and nutritional requirements.
His silver medal at the Asian Para Games adds another milestone to a career built on perseverance and consistent performances.
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