DUBAI, 12th February 2025 – The UAE’s para-athletes have once again demonstrated their mettle at the 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix – Dubai 2025, as the nation’s medal tally soared to 18, including an impressive seven gold medals.
Regular competitor Siham Alrasheedy lit up the championships by clinching gold in the women’s discus F52-57 with a throw of 22.96 metres. The 43-year-old expressed her heartfelt joy, saying, “It was a proud and emotional moment for me as my mother and son Abdullah were cheering for me.”
Adding to the success, Sara Aljneibi secured gold in the women’s shot put F32/33 with a throw of 5.22 metres, while Abdalla Almarzooqi delivered a stellar performance in the men’s 100m T71/72 final, clocking in at 24.65 seconds for the top spot.
The competition also spotlighted emerging talent as Mohamad Othman captured bronze in the men’s 400m wheelchair T34 final, finishing with a time of 51.23 seconds.
International stars shone brightly too. Swiss legend Marcel Hug continued his remarkable run by taking his third gold of the event after winning the men’s 800m wheelchair T53/54 final. His compatriot, Patricia Eachus, also celebrated a double triumph by clinching gold in the women’s 800m wheelchair T54 race. Meanwhile, Greece’s Paralympic champion Athanasios Ghavelas kicked off his 2025 season with a bang by winning the men’s 100m T11 final in 11.43 seconds.
With these outstanding performances, the UAE now stands third in the overall medal standings, trailing behind India and Saudi Arabia, both of whom have secured eight gold medals each. This achievement underscores the nation’s rising prowess in the global para-athletics arena.
The Grand Prix, held under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has drawn around 400 para-athletes from 52 nations and is recognized as the season opener for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix calendar. Running from February 10th to 13th, 2025, the event not only set the stage for an exciting athletic season but also celebrated the spirit of inclusivity and competitive excellence.
As the tournament progresses, the determination and talent on display promise an inspiring journey ahead for para-athletes worldwide, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to nurturing sporting excellence on both the national and international stages.
Photo credit WAM.-
