Who is Ashok? All you need to know about the Indian para-powerlifter competing in the Paris 2024 Paralympics
As a part of the 84-member contingent, India is sending four para-powerlifters to the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics, and Ashok Malik is among those expected to push for a podium finish in the French capital. The Paris 2024 Paralympics will take place between August 28 and September 8.
A nine-time national-level gold medalist, Ashok has been one of the top para-athletes in India, boasting a medal tally full of prizes from a variety of international tournaments, including the Asian Games and World Championships.
After securing his qualification for the men’s 65kg event at the Paris 2024 Games, Ashok will be among the para-athletes looking to win their first-ever Paralympic medal for India at the French capital.
The para-powerlifting events for the Paris 2024 Paralympics will start on September 4.
Ashok’s career in brief
Born in Haryana, wheelchair-bound Ashok has been a natural fit in the sport of para-powerlifting since the start. The para-athlete picked up the sport after he was inspired by Bollywood actors such as Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt to develop his upper body physique.
He represented his nation in the men’s 59kg category at the Mexico City World Championships in 2017, where he came in ninth position after registering a lift of 172kg.
Tragedy struck the para-powerlifter at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, where he suffered a horrible injury that saw his bones getting crushed and sticking out of his body. After completing his recovery procedure, the para-powerlifter then switched to the men’s 65kg category and participated in the Tbilisi World Championships in 2021.
A nine-time national-level gold medalist between 2011 and 2022, he kicked into new gear soon after, winning a gold medal in the men’s 65kg event at the prestigious Asia-Oceania Para Powerlifting Championships in 2022. He won a gold medal via his combined score and also won a bronze medal in the individual category in the tournament.
He added another feather to his cap, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. He also improved his performance at the World Championships, finishing seventh in the Dubai 2023 Championships, lifting 190kg.
The 35-year-old athlete finally secured a berth at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by clinching a silver medal at the 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Egypt. The para-powerlifter achieved the best lift of 196kg, securing his place on the plane to Paris.
Now in France, Ashok will look to establish himself as the top para-powerlifter in India by winning his first Paralympics medal in Paris.