Iran's strong showing at the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, has been highlighted in a report by the International Paralympic Committee's World Para Powerlifting section.
Iran NPC- Iran’s impressive performance at the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, has been recognised in an official report published by the International Paralympic Committee’s World Para Powerlifting section.
The competition, held from 21 to 23 May, brought together more than 150 athletes from 20 nations and served as the third regional event of the 2026 World Para Powerlifting season on the road to the LA28 Paralympic Games.
In its review of the championships, World Para Powerlifting highlighted the strong performances of Nigeria, Egypt and Iran, with Iran securing five gold medals to finish among the top-performing nations of the competition.
Dubai 2023 World Championships silver medallist Ali Seifi claimed gold in the men’s up to 65kg after lifting 188kg, while Amir Jafari topped the men’s up to 72kg with a successful 205kg lift.
Cairo 2025 bronze medallist Aliasghar Abareghi also delivered a dominant performance in the men’s up to 97kg, completing three successful lifts to secure the title.
Iran’s athletes produced a clean sweep in the men’s up to 107kg category, with Aliakbar Gharibshahi leading the standings after lifting 240kg.
Paris 2024 Paralympic champion Ahmad Aminzadeh added Iran’s fifth gold medal in the men’s over 107kg category with a lift of 247kg.
According to the IPC report, Nigeria finished top of the medal table with 24 medals, including 15 golds, while Egypt placed second with 14 gold medals. Hosts Algeria also celebrated one gold medal among their 13 podium finishes.
The championships also witnessed one world record and two regional records, underlining the high technical level of the competition in Oran.