The lonely grind of Nepal’s para powerlifters
Summary
Pawan Gharti Magar and Rajani Rai train daily for the Asian main event in Nagoya despite long commutes, physical barriers and little state support. The two Nepali para powerlifters are funding their own travel, diet and gear as they chase medals for Nepal.
Key Points
- Pawan Gharti Magar and Rajani Rai travel long distances every day to train at the only gym in Nepal with a specialised bench for para powerlifters.
- Both athletes have received little state support and are covering their own training, nutrition and equipment costs through jobs and personal earnings.
- Magar won gold at a valley-wide championship in June, while Rai has competed internationally since the 2017 WPPO Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.
- The duo hopes to compete in the Asian event in Nagoya and say better facilities and funding could help them close the gap with world-class para powerlifters.
