To mark the Paris Paralympic Games, Google on Thursday unveiled a special Google Doodle celebrating powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Weightlifting, which laid the foundation for powerlifting, first appeared at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 1964.

Twenty years later, in 1984, powerlifting was added to the Paralympic selection. It was not until 2000, during the Sydney Olympics, that women were given the opportunity to compete in powerlifting at the Paralympic Games.

Also read: Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Indian para shuttler Nithya Sre Sivan wins bronze in SH6 category

Google’s doodle aims to recognize the athletic prowess and dedication of athletes by highlighting wheelchair tennis. The interactive doodle features animated birds with the message: “The wait is over, the weights are on. Get ready for today’s Para Powerlifting event at Aréna Porte de La Chappelle!”

Also Read: Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Discover India’s Medal Table & Full Winners List

Ahmed aims for record in para-powerlifting Two medals will be awarded in the men’s and two for women’s powerlifting on Thursday, but Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed is aiming for more than just a gold medal.

Ahmed, a two-time Paralympic silver medalist, moved up from the 50-kilogram (121-pound) category in 2023 to 55 kilograms (121 pounds) before winning the world title in Dubai, marking her fourth world title in total.

The Cairo native also set a new world record in the 55kg class this summer at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Tbilisi by lifting 135kg (297.6 pounds).

The current Paralympic record, set in 2016 by Mexico’s Amalia Perez Vazquez, is 130 kg.

What are the rules?

In powerlifting, competitors must lower the bar to their chest, hold it there, and then push it back up until their arms are fully extended, with their elbows locked.

Also read: ‘India is very happy’: PM Modi congratulates archer Harvinder Singh on winning gold

Men compete in the weight categories 49 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, 88 kg, 97 kg, 107 kg and over 107 kg.

Women compete in the weight categories 41 kg, 45 kg, 50 kg, 55 kg, 61 kg, 67 kg, 73 kg, 79 kg, 86 kg and over 86 kg.

During a powerlifting event, athletes lie on a specially designed bench. After grasping or receiving the barbell at arm’s length, they must wait with locked elbows and hold the barbell until the referee gives the signal to start.