Nandor Tunkel motivated by home event

Rio 2016 bronze medallist and home favourite Nandor Tunkel is hoping the 2017 World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Eger, Hungary, from 4-7 May, can act as catalyst for further success ahead of the Mexico 2017 World Para Powerlifting Championships.

The 29-year-old last competed on the international scene at February’s World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, finishing third thanks to a 147kg lift in the men’s up to 49kg.

“An injury whilst participating in that last competition prevented me from achieving a personal best, but I am confident I can do that in Eger,” said Tunkel. “I would love to do it on home soil.”

This is going to be Tunkel’s third time competing in Eger, Hungary; he finished second at both the 2014 Hungarian Open Championships and the 2015 European Open Championships.

“I always like competing at home with the home crowd and my friends cheering for me. This gives me extra motivation!” he said.

Tunkel admits he still needs to improve many things in order to reach the level of Vietnam’s Paralympic champion Van Cong Le and Jordan’s Rio 2016 silver medallist Omar Sami Qarada, but believes it is not an impossible task.

“They are two big rivals, but I want and think I can catch up with them.”

The Hungarian delivered his best performance ever at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he lifted 155kg to claim bronze. “Coming back home with a medal around the neck was an unforgettable experience,” he said.

“Rio gave me a lot more motivation to continue improving and winning medals. I want to lift even more than 155kg in Eger.”

After the Eger World Cup, Tunkel will take a small break before focussing on Mexico 2017, the biggest event of the season.

“After winning bronze at Rio 2016, I truly believe I can repeat that third place at the World Championships,” he said.

Further ahead, Tunkel already imagines where he will be in three-years-time. “One of my biggest dreams is to win Paralympic gold, hopefully at Tokyo 2020,” he said.

“It will not be easy because there are many strong powerlifters. But I believe I have the necessary strength to accomplish that.”

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The Eger 2017 World Para Powerlifting World Cup runs from 4-7 May and will be streamed live on World Para Powerlifting’s website.

All events will be shown live at the sport’s website and can be followed on social media (Facebook.com/parapowerlifting, @ParaPowerlifting on Instagram and @Powerlifting on Twitter).

The World Para Powerlifting Championships will take place in Mexico City from 30 September-6 October, with more than 360 powerlifters from 65 countries competing in the Juan de la Barrera Olympic Gymnasium.