Athletics competition began at the Para Central American Games in Managua ©Managua 2018

Nicaragua's Freddy Siu broke the Para Central American Games record in the men's long jump T37 competition on the opening day of athletics at the event in Managua.

Siu topped the podium having recorded a best effort of 5.37 metres at the IND Olympic Stadium in the Nicaraguan capital.

Jhan Wisdoms of Panama jumped 5.30m to take home the silver medal, while bronze was secured by Axel Adame of El Salvador.

Luis Prado sealed the second gold medal of the day for the host nation as he triumphed in the 100m T36 event in a time of 12.70sec.

Carlos Velásquez of Honduras and Everth Cruz of Panama came through to earn silver and bronze respectively.

Panama had further medal success when Ana Galvez won the women's 100m T12 race by clocking 17.36.

The athletics programme at the Games is due to continue tomorrow ©Managua 2018
The athletics programme at the Games is due to continue tomorrow ©Managua 2018

It proved to be a comfortable victory for the Panamanian sprinter as Arika López of Nicaragua was comfortably adrift in second place having recorded a time of 18.02.

Costa Rica's Evelyn Morales did enough for bronze.

In the men's 100m T37, David Pleites led home a one-two for El Salvador as he ousted compatriot Miguel Zelaya.

Guatemala's Jorge González was the recipient of the bronze medal.

Enoc Ponza produced a dominant display to secure the men's 59 kilograms powerlifting gold medal with a best attempt of 125kg.

Ponza finished well clear of the rest of the field as Salvadoran Ricardo Javier Ortiz claimed silver on 73kg.

Around 250 athletes are expected to compete at the second edition of the Para Central American Games, which are due to conclude on Sunday (January 28).