Powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France, is scheduled to take place from September 4 to September 8, 2024, at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. The competition will feature a total of twenty events, with ten events each for men and women
The qualification rules for powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics outline how athletes can earn their spots to compete in the Games. The rules set by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) involve several key criteria:
1. Slot Allocation
- A total of 180 qualification slots are available for the powerlifting events: 90 for men and 90 for women.
- Each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) can enter a maximum of 8 men and 8 women athletes.
- Athletes must meet the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) set for their specific weight category.
2. Qualification Pathways
There are several ways athletes can qualify:
World Ranking Allocation:
- The majority of qualification slots (around 160) are awarded based on the IPC World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) Rankings. These rankings are compiled from results achieved during the designated qualification period, ending in late June 2024. Athletes must be ranked among the top positions in their respective weight categories to earn these slots.
Host Country Allocation:
- France, as the host nation, is guaranteed a minimum number of slots (4 in total, 2 for men and 2 for women) if they do not qualify any athletes through the World Ranking Allocation.
Bipartite Commission Invitations:
- The IPC and WPPO may issue a limited number of invitations (around 16 slots) to athletes who have not qualified through the standard pathways but are deemed essential for the Games' inclusivity and diversity. These invitations are typically given to athletes from underrepresented nations or in exceptional cases of sporting merit.
3. Eligibility Criteria
- Athletes must hold an active World Para Powerlifting license.
- They must have participated in at least one official World Para Powerlifting-recognized event between January 1, 2022, and the end of the qualification period in 2024.
- Athletes must also meet the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) in their designated weight category during the qualification period.
4. Reallocation of Unused Slots
- If any qualification slots are not used (e.g., an athlete withdraws or a slot is declined), these slots may be reallocated to the next highest-ranked athlete on the World Rankings.
The top-ranked athletes in powerlifting for the 2024 Summer Paralympics will be determined based on the World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) Rankings. These rankings are continuously updated based on results from official competitions during the qualification period leading up to the Games.
Here are some of the top-ranked athletes to watch in powerlifting, based on recent international performances:
Men's Top-Ranked Athletes (by Weight Category)
Up to 49 kg:
- Omar Qarada (Jordan): The reigning Paralympic champion and multiple-time world champion, known for his consistent performances and record-setting lifts.
Up to 54 kg:
- Sherif Osman (Egypt): A three-time Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder, who is one of the most dominant figures in this category.
Up to 65 kg:
- Paul Kehinde (Nigeria): A former world champion and Paralympic medalist, known for his exceptional power and competitive consistency.
Up to 72 kg:
- Roohallah Rostami (Iran): A top contender and Paralympic medalist who has been a strong presence on the world stage for many years.
Up to 80 kg:
- Liu Lei (China): A multiple-time Paralympic and world champion, who consistently ranks at the top of his category.
Over 107 kg:
- Siamand Rahman (Iran): A legend in the sport, holding the world record for the heaviest lift ever performed in Paralympic powerlifting. However, note that Rahman passed away in early 2020; his record still stands as a benchmark in the sport.
Women's Top-Ranked Athletes (by Weight Category)
Up to 41 kg:
- Lidiia Soloviova (Ukraine): A multiple-time Paralympic champion and world champion, known for her remarkable strength and dominance in the lighter weight category.
Up to 45 kg:
- Hu Dandan (China): A top competitor with several world and Paralympic titles, known for her explosive lifts and technical precision.
Up to 55 kg:
- Amalia Perez (Mexico): A four-time Paralympic gold medalist and world champion who has dominated her category for years.
Up to 67 kg:
- Fatma Omar (Egypt): A legend in powerlifting with multiple Paralympic gold medals and world records to her name.
Up to 79 kg:
- Xu Lili (China): A top contender and medalist at both the Paralympic and World Championships, known for her strength and consistency.
Over 86 kg:
- Loveline Obiji (Nigeria): A top-ranked athlete with several international titles, known for her powerful lifts and competitive resilience.
These athletes represent some of the best in the sport, but the rankings can change as new competitions occur, especially in the lead-up to the Paralympics.
Here are some of the key upcoming qualifying events for powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics:
Upcoming Powerlifting Qualifying Events for the 2024 Paralympics
World Para Powerlifting World Cups
- Final Qualification World Cup - Dubai, UAE
- Date: August 2024
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Details: This is one of the last major opportunities for athletes to improve their world rankings and secure qualification slots. Dubai's event typically attracts top lifters from around the globe due to its competitive field and high stakes.
- Final Qualification World Cup - Dubai, UAE
Regional Championships
European Open Championships
- Date: Early 2024 (Exact dates TBD)
- Location: TBD (Europe)
- Details: Open to European athletes and serves as a key event to boost rankings or achieve the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS).
Americas Open Championships
- Date: Mid-2024 (Exact dates TBD)
- Location: TBD (Americas)
- Details: Provides another platform for athletes in the Americas to compete for qualification slots.
Asian Open Championships
- Date: Mid-2024 (Exact dates TBD)
- Location: TBD (Asia)
- Details: Open to Asian athletes; this event is crucial for many in securing their final spots for the Paralympics.
Designated World Para Powerlifting Regional Events
- Various National and Regional Competitions
- Date: Throughout 2024 (Exact dates TBD)
- Location: Various countries
- Details: These events are recognized by World Para Powerlifting and can be used to achieve the MQS or improve rankings. Athletes often attend multiple events to increase their chances of qualification.
- Various National and Regional Competitions
Important Notes:
- Athletes aiming for qualification must compete in at least one of these recognized events between January 1, 2022, and the final qualification deadline in late June 2024.
- The final qualification event is typically one of the last opportunities to secure a slot or improve world rankings.
Here are the detailed qualification criteria for powerlifting at the 2024 Summer Paralympics:
1. Overall Qualification Slots
- Total Slots Available: 180
- Men: 90 slots
- Women: 90 slots
Each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) can enter a maximum of 8 male and 8 female athletes across all weight categories.
2. Qualification Pathways
Athletes can qualify through several pathways:
A. World Ranking Allocation
- Slots: 160 (80 men, 80 women)
- The majority of qualification slots are awarded based on the athletes' positions in the World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) Rankings by the end of the qualification period (June 2024).
- Athletes must be ranked among the top in their weight category to earn these slots.
- The rankings are determined by the best results achieved at official WPPO events during the qualification period.
- Each weight category will have a specific number of allocated slots based on the number of athletes participating and their performance levels.
B. Host Country Allocation
- Slots: 4 (2 men, 2 women)
- The host country, France, is guaranteed a minimum of four slots if it does not qualify any athletes through the World Ranking Allocation.
- These slots are specifically for the host nation's athletes to ensure representation.
C. Bipartite Commission Invitations
- Slots: 16 (8 men, 8 women)
- The IPC and World Para Powerlifting may invite additional athletes through Bipartite Commission Invitations.
- These invitations are given based on several factors:
- Ensuring representation of all regions and countries.
- Promoting gender balance.
- Awarding exceptional cases where an athlete has shown remarkable merit but did not qualify through the standard pathways.
- Invitations can also be issued to maintain the spirit of inclusion and diversity in the Games.
3. Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS)
To be eligible for qualification, athletes must achieve the Minimum Qualification Standard (MQS) for their respective weight category.
- The MQS is a specific weight amount set by the World Para Powerlifting for each weight category.
- Athletes must achieve the MQS at least once during the qualification period at an official WPPO-sanctioned event.
- The MQS must be met between January 1, 2022, and the final qualification deadline in June 2024.
4. Eligibility Criteria
- Athletes must hold a valid World Para Powerlifting license.
- Athletes must be at least 15 years old by the start of the Paralympic Games.
- They must have an official World Para Powerlifting classification with a "Confirmed" or "Review" status.
- Athletes must compete in at least one recognized WPPO event during the qualification period and achieve the MQS.
5. Reallocation of Unused Slots
If any allocated slots are not used (due to an athlete's withdrawal, failure to meet the MQS, or other reasons), these slots will be reallocated to the next highest-ranked athlete in the World Para Powerlifting Rankings for that weight category.
6. Weight Categories
There are ten weight categories for both men and women, ranging from lighter to heavier classes. Here are the categories:
Men's Weight Categories:
- Up to 49 kg
- Up to 54 kg
- Up to 59 kg
- Up to 65 kg
- Up to 72 kg
- Up to 80 kg
- Up to 88 kg
- Up to 97 kg
- Up to 107 kg
- Over 107 kg
Women's Weight Categories:
- Up to 41 kg
- Up to 45 kg
- Up to 50 kg
- Up to 55 kg
- Up to 61 kg
- Up to 67 kg
- Up to 73 kg
- Up to 79 kg
- Up to 86 kg
- Over 86 kg
7. Key Dates
- Qualification Period: January 1, 2022, to late June 2024.
- Final Qualification Event: Usually held a few months before the Games (specific date TBD).
- Final Rankings and Slot Allocation Announcement: Expected shortly after the qualification period ends.
These criteria ensure that the best and most competitive athletes are selected while also promoting inclusivity and diversity in the Games.