What is para powerlifting?
B · Beginner · Athletes and categories · 1 of 3Para powerlifting is a bench press for athletes with a lower limb or hip impairment, run by World Para Powerlifting under the IPC. Lying flat, the athlete lowers the bar to the chest, holds it still and presses it to locked arms. Each athlete has three attempts, and the heaviest good lift wins. There are ten bodyweight categories for each gender.
How it works
- Governing body: World Para Powerlifting, part of the IPC.
- Discipline: Power, the bench press.
- Attempts: three, one per round.
- Winner: heaviest good lift.
- Categories: ten per gender, by bodyweight.
- One sport class: for all eligible athletes.
- Judges: three referees.
- Also: Station, a multi-exercise discipline.
The glossary has the para powerlifting, the Power, the sport class (para powerlifting), the bodyweight categories, the good lift and the Station.
Tricky cases
Is there a squat or deadlift?
No. The Paralympic discipline is the bench press.
Do the legs stay on the bench?
Yes, extended, usually strapped.
Who wins if two lift the same?
The one who lifted it first.
What is the Station discipline?
A series of three strength stations, such as a medicine ball slam.
Why the rule exists
The bench press tests upper body strength, which lower limb impairments do not limit. That lets one class cover everyone.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Bench press | 10.1 |
| Station | Three stations | 31 |
| Paralympics | Power only | 10.1 |
From the rule book
World Para Powerlifting, Rules and Regulations 2025, version 1 (1 May 2025), rules 1.3, 10.1 to 10.3, 28.1 and 31. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WPPO Rules and Regulations 2025.