India’s Ashok Malik narrowly missed a podium finish in the men’s lightweight para-powerlifting event at the Commonwealth Games 2026, securing fourth place with 143.8 points despite an impressive best lift of 200kg. Throughout the competition, Malik remained in medal contention but was surpassed by Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who clinched the bronze with 153.5 points, securing a podium spot.
England’s Mark Swan claimed the gold medal with 153.9 points, lifting 222kg, while Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike settled for silver despite matching Swan’s points due to countback, with a top lift of 185kg. This event marked the first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. India’s second participant, Parmjeet Kumar, finished seventh with 135.6 points, as Scotland’s Finlay Davidson and Nigeria’s Ibrahim Dauda secured the fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Ashok Malik competes in the men’s up to 65kg category and hails from Haryana. He is a seasoned para powerlifter, representing India at various prestigious events including the Paralympics, Asian Para Games, and World Para Powerlifting Championships. The men’s lightweight para-powerlifting event, based on a bodyweight-adjusted points system, opened the para powerlifting program at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
