Para powerlifting is an intense and dynamic sport for athletes with physical impairments, focusing on the bench press discipline. It has been part of the Paralympic Games since the 1964 Tokyo Paralympics. The sport showcases the athletes’ upper body strength and technique, with competitors lifting more than three times their body weight.

There are 10 weight divisions across the men’s and women’s competitions, ranging from 49kg to over 107kg, and 41kg to over 86kg respectively.

Discs approved for competition by World Para-powerlifting must adhere to the following criteria:

• Maintain a weight within 0.25 percent of their marked value.

• Weigh 1.25kg, 2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20kg, or 25kg.

• Display their weight prominently and be arranged on the bar in descending order of weight.

• Have a central hole diameter greater than 52mm and less than 53mm.

• For record attempts, lighter discs may be incorporated to ensure a weight increase of at least 500g over the current record.

• The initial disc loaded onto the bar must be placed face-first, while the subsequent discs must be loaded face-out.

• The largest disc’s diameter must not exceed 450mm.

• Discs must follow the specified color-coding:

• 25kg discs are red.

• 20kg discs are blue.

• 15kg discs are yellow.

• 10kg or lighter discs can be of any color.

Athletes compete lying on a bench measuring 2.1m in length, 61cm in width, and 45cm to 50cm in height. The bench narrows to 30cm in width at the head.

Additionally, all athletes must wear a collar weighing 2.5kg during their lifts.