Ashok Malik Finishes Fourth In Men's Para Powerlifting
Ashok Malik lifts 200kg, misses podium. England's Mark Swan wins gold.

Ashok Malik, India's experienced para-powerlifter, finished fourth in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Malik lifted an impressive 200kg but scored 143.8 points, narrowly missing out on a podium finish.
The competition was fierce, with England's Mark Swan winning the gold medal with 153.9 points after achieving a top lift of 222kg. Nigeria's Roland Ezuruike took the silver medal, matching Swan's points but losing due to countback, with a best lift of 185kg. Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, the defending Commonwealth Games champion, secured the bronze medal with 153.5 points.
Malik, who competes in the men's up to 65kg category, stayed in medal contention throughout the competition. However, he eventually finished behind Gustin, who managed to fend off the Indian's challenge to secure a podium spot.
The men's lightweight para-powerlifting event was the first medal opportunity for India at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Malik's effort was impressive, but it ended narrowly short of a podium finish.
India's second participant, Parmjeet Kumar, finished seventh with 135.6 points. The event saw athletes from various countries, including Scotland, Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, Cameroon, Solomon Islands, and Malta, competing for the top spots.
Ashok Malik is one of India's most experienced para-powerlifters, having represented the country at the Paralympics, Asian Para Games, and World Para Powerlifting Championships. He comes from Haryana and competes in the men's up to 65kg category.
The para-powerlifting programme at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games uses a bodyweight-adjusted points system to rank athletes, instead of just the weight lifted. This system allows for a more nuanced comparison of athletes' performances.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have kicked off with a vibrant indoor spectacle, celebrating Glasgow's heritage and promising a fresh start for the CWG. The event has seen impressive performances from athletes across various disciplines, and the para-powerlifting competition has been no exception.
In the end, Ashok Malik's fourth-place finish was a respectable performance, but it was not enough to secure a medal for India. The country will look to its other athletes to bring home medals in the upcoming events.
The Commonwealth Games 2026 will continue to see intense competition across various disciplines, with athletes from around the world vying for the top spots. India will be looking to make a strong impression, and its para-powerlifters will be hoping to bring home medals in the upcoming events.
As the Games progress, the focus will shift to other disciplines, including swimming, athletics, and more. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games promise to be an exciting and action-packed event, with athletes from around the world showcasing their skills and competing for glory.
In conclusion, Ashok Malik's performance in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting event was impressive, but it ultimately fell short of a podium finish. The event marked the first medal opportunity for India at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the country will be looking to its other athletes to bring home medals in the upcoming events.
The significance of this event lies in the fact that it showcases the talent and dedication of para-powerlifters from around the world. The Commonwealth Games provide a platform for these athletes to compete and shine, and the para-powerlifting competition has been an exciting and closely contested event.
As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continue, fans can expect to see more thrilling performances from athletes across various disciplines. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with the world's top athletes competing for glory and medals.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the gold medal in men's para powerlifting?
England's Mark Swan won the gold medal with 153.9 points.
What was Ashok Malik's best lift in the competition?
Ashok Malik's best lift was 200kg.