Degtyarev snatches Para Games record

Kazakh powerlifter continues recent gold rush in Hangzhou

Following his triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Kazakhstan's David Degtyarev, the rising star in Para powerlifting, has taken the nation to gold at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.

Taking the lead on his first attempt, the 27-year-old claimed his first Asian Para Games gold medal in the men's 54kg powerlifting event after three successful attempts at Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium on Monday.

With a solid lift of 186kg on his third attempt, the Asian record holder saw off the challenge of China's Yang Jinglang by 1kg, and Vietnam's Nguyen Binh An by 2kg. Meanwhile, the final weight also saw him set a new Asian Para Games record and update his Asian record in Hangzhou.

"I feel good and happy (to win this gold medal), and Hangzhou is also good and beautiful," said Degtyarev after clinching the gold, giving a big thumbs-up to his performance and the city.

After starting powerlifting in 2016, Degtyarev made his debut in a major international event at the Mexico City 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships, where he finished seventh. A year later, he was winning medals on international stages, including bronze at the Asia-Oceania Open Championships and silver at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Two years later, Degtyarev became even more widely known, doing his nation proud when he won his first major international title at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, in the men's 54kg category.

It was the country's first-ever gold medal in Para powerlifting at the Paralympic Games, and only its second in Paralympic history. Even Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent his congratulations to Degtyarev on social media, saying: "The gold medal is a phenomenal achievement, the result of tireless training, incredible consistency and unbending will."

Degtyarev's success has continued since then, and he is now gearing up for the Paris Paralympic Games next year.

"David has swept almost all gold medals in major international para powerlifting competitions over the past two years. We also have big plans for him next year, as we will have five or six World Cup events. David will also try to qualify for Paris," said Ulan Anuar, an official with the National Paralympic Committee of Kazakhstan.

As well as winning the gold medal, Team Kazakhstan has been enjoying the city of Hangzhou.

"I have been to China before, though this is my first time in Hangzhou. The city is beautiful and the volunteers in the village are very helpful and welcoming," said Ulan.