SINGAPORE — As he stood on the podium and saw the Singapore flag being hoisted high above, tears welled up in Kalai Vanen’s eyes.

What started off as an aim to just do his best at his ASEAN Para Games (APG) debut, ended up with a bronze medal hanging around the neck of the 56-year-old powerlifter, who competed in the men’s up-to- 97kg event today (Dec 8).

Cheered on by a boisterous home crowd, Kalai recorded a best lift of 140kg at his first attempt. 

The former army officer’s next two attempts at 152kg were futile, but it was enough to land Kalai the bronze after Malaysia’s Jong Yee ­Khie stormed to gold with an incredible APG record lift of 200kg. 

Thailand’s Tongsang Prakit took silver with a best lift of 160kg.

“I was shocked,” said Kalai, who had his left leg amputated more than 25 years ago because of a tumour. 

“My aim was to just train hard and do my best. Getting a medal was not even on my mind. What was on my mind was to do my best ahead of next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio 2016.”

He added: “In powerlifting, it’s not about how much you can lift but how well you can lift. If you can execute it, that’s the win for you right there.”

Kalai’s execution for his two ­attempts at 152kg was admittedly poor. He explained: “I mistimed my shout and lost momentum. I cleared (152kg) in training, so weight was not a problem.”

This is Singapore’s first powerlifting medal at this year’s APG. Kalai’s team-mate, Mervyn Foo, finished fourth in the men’s up to 65kg finals last Sunday with a lift of 112kg.

Success at the APG has given Kalai a huge lift ahead of next year’s Rio Paralympics.

“I feel really honoured with the support from the fans,” he said. “I now hope to go on and perform even better in the future, hopefully in Rio.”