Unlike other Paralympic sports, Para powerlifting has only one sport class, meaning that athletes with different physical disabilities compete together.
The competition is divided by bodyweight categories. The event consists of a single exercise: the bench press. Athletes must lift the maximum possible weight in a single repetition. They must maintain a specific position on the bench, with their feet on the floor or on support blocks, and their back and head resting on the bench. Athletes may use a wide or narrow grip, but must keep a symmetrical and secure grip throughout the lift.
The lift begins with the bar on the racks. The athlete must lower the bar to the chest, pause, and then press it up to full arm extension. Referees give verbal and visual signals to indicate the start and end of the lift, as well as to validate or invalidate the attempt. Each athlete has three attempts to lift the maximum possible weight. The weight must be increased with each successful attempt. Faults include movement of the hips or feet during the lift, failure to fully extend the arms, and not following the referee’s signals.