UAE Athletes Shine With 18 Medals At Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025

The UAE has achieved a total of 18 medals, including seven golds, at the 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai 2025. This event highlights the impressive performance of the nation's athletes. Siham Alrasheedy, a frequent competitor in the Fazza Championships, secured a gold medal in the women's discus F52-57 category with a throw of 22.96 metres.

Alrasheedy expressed her happiness, stating, "It was a proud and emotional moment for me as my mother and son Abdullah were cheering for me." Her victory was complemented by Sara Aljneibi's win in the women's shot put F32/33 with a throw of 5.22 metres. Abdalla Almarzooqi also claimed gold in the men's 100m T71/72 final, clocking 24.65 seconds.

Swiss athlete Marcel Hug continued his winning streak by securing his third gold medal in the men's 800m wheelchair T53/54 final. Patricia Eachus from Switzerland also excelled, earning her second gold in the women's 800m wheelchair T54 event. Meanwhile, Greece's Paralympic champion Athanasios Ghavelas began his 2025 season with a gold in the men's 100m T11 final, finishing in 11.43 seconds.

The competition also saw promising talent Mohamad Othman win bronze in the men's 400m wheelchair T34 final with a time of 51.23 seconds. The UAE currently holds third place on the medal table, trailing behind India and Saudi Arabia, both of which have eight gold medals each.

The Grand Prix is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and has attracted approximately 400 para-athletes from 52 countries. The event runs from February 10th to February 13th, 2025, marking it as the season opener for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix calendar.

This prestigious event not only showcases athletic prowess but also fosters international camaraderie among participants from around the globe. The UAE's strong performance reflects its commitment to supporting para-athletes and promoting inclusivity in sports.

With inputs from WAM