China and Iran won gold medals and set world records in the men's 100kg and +100kg categories on the last competition day of powerlifting at the BUAA Gymnasium Tuesday.
China's Qi Dong won the 100kg convincingly, initially lifting a world record of 243kg, half a kilogram heavier than the mark set by Iran's Kazem Rajabigolojeh at the Athens Games.
The 26-year-old Chinese lifter continued to better the mark with 245kg on the second attempt and 247.5kg on his third.
But he failed on his voluntary fourth attempt to lift 248.5kg.
"Before every attempt, when I went onto the stage, I shouted the English word 'tiger' because I am from northeast China and that is where the Siberian tiger lives," said an excited Qi later. "I wanted to be the strongest man in the world."
Nigeria's Obioma Daleth Aligekwe lifted 230kg and 235kg before challenging Qi's lead with a third and successful attempt at 245kg.
But the Chinese was calm under pressure and lifted 247.5kg to extend his lead.
The Nigerian returned with the bar loaded to 248kg for a fourth attempt, but failed, as did Qi with his last attempt at 248.5kg.
"Aligekwe is a respected lifter. He is my biggest opponent because his personal best is 245kg. I didn't think I could beat him today by lifting 247.5kg," Qi said.
The battle for bronze was between Poland's Damian Kulig and Iran's Ali Sadeghzadeh Salmani.
After two no-lifts, Sadeghazadeh Salmani looked in trouble but came back strongly in his third attempt, overtaking Kulig to clinch the bronze.
In the last final of the day, the +100kg, Iran's Kazem Rajabi Golojeh set world records in his second (257.5kg) and fourth (265kg) attempts.
Australia's Darren Gardiner and China's Li Bin won the silver and bronze.
Gardiner's silver was Australia's first medal in powerlifting at this Paralympics.
"The silver means a lot to my country," Gardiner said. "It would absolutely encourage other people to take up the sport."
China topped the powerlifting medal tally at the Paralympics with nine gold, two silver and three bronze.
Egypt finished second with four gold, three silver and three bronze while Nigeria and Iran trailed close behind.
Altogether, 20 countries won medals in powerlifting and 20 world records fell.