Jordanian powerlifter places third in Kazakhstan championship

AMMAN — Jordanian Mutaz Junaidi has placed third in the Nur-Sultan 2019 World Para Powerlifting Championship held in Kazakhstan, after lifting 225 kilogrammes in his division. 

First place went to Iranian para-powerlifter Solhipouravanji Seyedhamed and second place went to China’s Yan Panpan, while Junaidi jointly won third alongside Columbian powerlifter Torres Fabio.

While still in Kazakhstan, Junaidi told The Jordan Times on Saturday that the competition paves the way for him to compete in the next championship in Tokyo in 2020.

"After the world championship in 2014, I was injured while lifting weights and this stopped me from training for a while and had me lift using very light weights, but this time I was able to lift 225 kilogrammes in a heated competition with the other players," Junaidi said. 

"The Iranian lifted 235  kilogrammes while the Chinese competitor lifted 227 kilogrammes, but even though the Colombian and I lifted 225 kilogrammes, his body weight was less than mine, which is why we received joint-third," Junaidi said. 

As for his future plans, Junaidi said that he is eligible to take part in the championship in Tokyo, and thus he is already preparing for next year, and will also take part in the 11th Fazza Dubai 2020 Para-Powerlifting World Cup.  

"In the delegation sent to take part in this competition, there were six men and two women," Junaidi said, adding that everyone performed really well, and he looks forward to doing his best at upcoming events.