Indian powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani produced a strong finish to claim silver in the women’s 67kg category at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Wednesday. The Tamil Nadu athlete secured second place with a successful 108kg lift in her third and final attempt, moving ahead of South Korea’s Kim Hyeonghui in the medal standings.

Uzbekistan’s Rukhshona Uktamova won the gold medal with a best lift of 127kg, while Kim settled for bronze after managing 107kg. The South Korean lifter failed to improve her mark in her final attempt, allowing Kasthuri to move into second place.

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The silver marked a significant improvement for the 42-year-old Indian, who had finished fifth in the previous edition of the Games. Her performance also added to India’s medal tally in powerlifting at the ongoing continental event.

Kasthuri Rajamani Claims Silver With Final Lift

Kasthuri’s decisive moment came in her third and final attempt, when she lifted 108kg to secure the silver medal. The successful effort proved crucial in the closely contested battle for the remaining podium positions.

With Kim unable to better her earlier lift of 107kg, Kasthuri moved into second place behind Uktamova, whose 127kg effort put her clear at the top of the standings.

The result represented a notable step forward for the Indian powerlifter, who improved on her fifth-place finish at the previous Asian Para Games. Her performance highlighted the importance of delivering under pressure, with the final round determining the medal positions.

From Personal Challenges To Asian Para Games Podium

Kasthuri, who hails from Tamil Nadu, has faced significant personal challenges throughout her life. Affected by polio in both legs, she lost her mother during childhood and was raised by her grandmother.

Despite these hardships, she continued pursuing her sporting ambitions and has now earned a silver medal at the continental level. Her result in the women’s 67kg category marks another milestone in her powerlifting career.

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India Win Second Powerlifting Medal

Kasthuri’s silver is India’s second medal in powerlifting at the Asian Para Games 2026.

On Tuesday, Ashok Kumar Malik won silver in the men’s 65kg category, improving on the bronze medal he secured at the previous edition of the Games.