Indian Powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani Finishes Eighth in Paralympic Women's 67kg Event

Indian Powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani Finishes Eighth in Paralympic Women’s 67kg Event

India’s Kasthuri Rajamani, a 40-year-old powerlifter from Tamil Nadu, participated in the women’s 67kg event at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Friday. Despite equaling her personal best lift of 106kg in her second attempt, Rajamani finished eighth among nine competitors.

Rajamani’s journey to powerlifting began when a para shooter friend encouraged her to take up the sport. She subsequently won gold in the 67kg category at the Khelo India Para Games last year. However, at the Hangzhou Para Games in 2023, she placed fifth.

In the Paris Paralympics, China’s Yujiao Tan, a two-time Paralympic champion and four-time world championship gold medalist, dominated the event. Tan set a new world and Paralympic record with a lift of 142kg, securing her third consecutive title at the global showpiece.

Egypt’s Fatma Elyan claimed the silver medal with a best lift of 139kg, while Brazil’s Fatima de Maria earned the bronze with a lift of 133kg.

Rajamani’s performance, while not resulting in a medal, showcased her determination and resilience. She has demonstrated the potential for Indian athletes to excel in powerlifting at the international level.

North Korea Wins First-Ever Olympic Diving Medal, China Continues Dominance

North Korea Wins First-Ever Olympic Diving Medal, China Continues Dominance

North Korea has made history by winning its first-ever Olympic diving medal, a silver in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform event. The victory marks a significant achievement for the nation, which has long been overshadowed by China’s dominance in the sport.

China continued its reign in diving, securing its 50th Olympic gold medal in the discipline. Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan, the reigning Olympic champions, led the competition from the start, amassing a commanding lead after just two dives.

North Korea’s Jin Mi Jo and Mi Rae Kim finished a distant second, but their performance was nonetheless impressive. It was the nation’s second medal of the Paris Games, following a silver in mixed doubles table tennis.

Despite their disappointment at not winning gold, Kim expressed their determination to challenge China in the future. “We really wanted to give gold to our country, but the performance was not done as we expected,” she said. “The next time we do it, we will try hard for the gold.”

Great Britain’s Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix and Lois Toulson claimed the bronze medal, while Mexico’s Alejandra Orozco and Gabriela Agundez finished fifth. Orozco, a four-time Olympian, plans to retire after the Games.

Ukrainian divers Kseniia Bailo and Sofiia Lyskun competed with heavy hearts, dedicating their performance to those suffering in their war-torn homeland. Despite finishing second-to-last, they received warm cheers from the crowd.

“I’m happy to be in the Olympics because I compete today for my country, for soldiers and for athletes and coaches who died in war,” said Bailo. “I’m really proud of me.”

China’s dominance in diving remains unchallenged, as they continue to sweep the Olympic pool. However, North Korea’s historic silver medal and the resilience of the Ukrainian divers serve as reminders that the sport is about more than just winning.

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