Bangkok Hosts 249 Para Powerlifters from 23 Nations

When 249 of the world's strongest athletes gather in Bangkok next week, they'll prove that strength comes in many forms.

The 2026 Para Powerlifting Asia-Oceania Open Championships kicks off April 7, bringing together competitors from 23 nations for six days of extraordinary athleticism. Thailand's capital hasn't hosted an international Para powerlifting event in five years, and the excitement is building.

Uzbekistan leads the pack with 37 athletes, followed by India with 29 and Kazakhstan with 28. Even nations outside the region are joining in, with teams from El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela making the journey.

Thailand's home crowd will rally behind Kamolpan Kraratpet, who brought home Paralympic bronze from Paris 2024. She competes April 8 in the women's up to 55kg category as the favorite for gold.

China's Lingling Guo enters as the woman to beat after setting a new world record of 125kg in October. She holds both Paralympic and world titles in her category, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

The Ripple Effect

One of the most inspiring stories belongs to Uzbekistan's Ruza Kuzieva, the Paris 2024 silver medalist who's returning to competition after welcoming her second child. She hasn't competed in over a year and a half, but she's ready to show that motherhood and championship athletics can coexist beautifully.

Malaysia's Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, just 26, brings his own record-breaking legacy to Bangkok. The two-time Paralympic champion and world record holder is switching categories for the first time, moving from the 72kg to the 80kg division after four consecutive world titles.

The competition heats up across all weight classes, with three-time Paralympic champion Tan Yujiao of China leading a stacked women's 73kg category. Vietnam's Le Van Cong, a three-time Paralympic medalist, headlines the men's 49kg division.

Mongolia's Sodnompiljee Enkhbayar, a three-time Paralympic medalist, enters as the favorite in the men's 107kg category. Kazakhstan's David Degtyarev and China's Yi Zou and Panpan Yan round out the reigning Paralympic champions taking the platform.

Individual events run through April 11, with team competition closing out the championships on April 12. Bangkok's streets will buzz with celebration as these athletes show the world what dedication and determination look like.