CWG 2026: Ashok Finishes Fourth as India Misss Out on Medal in Para Powerlifting Men's Lightweight Final

India's quest for a medal in the men's lightweight para powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 ended in disappointment, with Ashok finishing fourth and Parmjeet placing seventh after an intense battle featuring some of the world's strongest para powerlifters.

Ashok lifted 200kg the highest successful lift of his career but narrowly missed out on a medal after the competition's coefficient scoring system placed him fourth with 143.8 points. Parmjeet, meanwhile, ended seventh with 135.6 points after registering one successful lift.

The medals went to England's Mark Swan, who claimed gold, while Nigeria's Roland Ezuruike and Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin completed the podium in a contest decided by the slimmest of margins.

Unlike conventional weightlifting competitions, para powerlifting at the Commonwealth Games often combines multiple bodyweight categories into a single medal event. To ensure fairness, athletes are ranked using a coefficient formula rather than simply comparing the amount of weight lifted. The formula takes into account an athlete's gender, body weight, and best successful lift, producing a final points score that determines the standings.

As a result, lifting the heaviest weight in the competition does not necessarily guarantee a medal. That reality played a major role in the fortunes of the Indian lifters.

Parmjeet was the first of the two Indians to begin his campaign. Opting for 176kg on his opening lift, he produced a solid effort that earned two white lights and one red light from the judges, indicating a successful lift. The clean opener gave him a strong platform to build on.

Ashok, however, made an even bigger statement. He entered the competition at 195kg, the heaviest opening attempt among all competitors. Despite the pressure associated with such an ambitious starting weight, Ashok executed the lift confidently and received a successful verdict from the referees. The impressive start immediately placed him among the leading contenders in the competition.

The second round proved decisive for both Indian athletes. Parmjeet increased his attempt to 179kg, hoping to boost his overall points tally. However, he was unable to complete the lift, leaving him with only his opening weight on the scoreboard. Ashok, meanwhile, raised the bar to 200kg.

The lift carried significant importance, as a successful attempt would elevate his coefficient score to 143.8 points, strengthening his chances of challenging for the bronze medal. Once again, Ashok delivered under pressure. The judges awarded him two white lights and one red, confirming another successful lift and keeping India's medal hopes alive heading into the final round.

Final Attempts Bring Heartbreak

Both Indians opted to finish aggressively. Parmjeet chose to repeat 179kg after his earlier miss. This time, he managed to press the weight successfully, but the judges unanimously ruled that the lift did not meet the required technical standards. Receiving three red lights, the attempt was declared invalid, leaving him with only his opening lift of 176kg.

Ashok also decided to chase history. For his final attempt, he called for 205kg, a weight that would have represented the heaviest successful lift of his career. Even had he completed it, the coefficient calculations suggested he would still remain fourth, but it offered an opportunity to finish the competition on a personal high.

Unfortunately, the lift proved just beyond reach. Ashok was unable to complete the attempt, ending his campaign with a best successful lift of 200kg.

Although Ashok narrowly missed the podium, his performance underlined the progress he has made on the international stage. His successful 200kg lift was among the biggest completed lifts of the competition and demonstrated his strength against an elite Commonwealth field. However, the coefficient system ultimately denied him a medal, with his 143.8 points placing him fourth overall.

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For Parmjeet, the competition ended with 135.6 points, good enough for seventh place. While neither Indian reached the podium, both produced competitive performances against some of the world's finest para powerlifters.

England's Mark Swan Claims Gold

The battle for the medals was remarkably close. Home favourite Mark Swan delighted the English crowd by winning the gold medal with a coefficient score of 153.902. Nigeria's experienced Roland Ezuruike finished just behind on 153.874, missing gold by the narrowest of margins. Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, one of para powerlifting's biggest names, secured the bronze medal with 153.500 points.

The incredibly small difference separating the medal winners highlighted the high standard of competition and showed just how every kilogram—and every point—proved crucial.

Although India finished without a medal in the event, Ashok's performance will provide encouragement for the national para powerlifting programme.

Opening confidently at 195kg before successfully lifting 200kg against world-class opposition demonstrated that he possesses the strength to compete among the sport's elite. His willingness to attempt a career-best 205kg despite knowing it would not alter his finishing position also reflected the ambition and competitive spirit required at this level.

Parmjeet, meanwhile, showed glimpses of promise with his successful opening lift but will be disappointed that his 179kg effort was first unsuccessful and then ruled technically invalid on his final attempt.

With the Commonwealth Games still in its early stages, India's para athletes will continue their campaign across multiple disciplines. While Ashok narrowly missed adding to the country's medal tally, his fourth-place finish against a highly competitive international field stands as a commendable effort and another reminder of the fine margins that often separate medal winners from the rest at the highest level of para sport.