Dubai: Mohammed Youssef Othman secured the UAE’s first gold medal at the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships – Dubai 2026, winning the men’s 100m T34 on the opening day. The 22-year-old clocked 15.00 seconds to finish ahead of Tunisia’s five-time Paralympic champion Walid Ktila (15.39s), while fellow Emirati Ahmed Nawad claimed bronze in 15.97s. The victory marked a special milestone for Othman at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, where he trains daily.
According to Emirates News Agency, Othman expressed his delight at winning the gold medal at the start of the season. He stated that he was happy with the way he raced and mentioned that this victory has set the tone for the upcoming competitions. Othman also revealed that his main target this year is to win gold at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. After finishing fifth at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Othman has intensified his preparations, including overseas training in Poland and Tunisia. His competitor, Ktila, praised Othman, acknowledging his potential in wheelchair racing.
Maryam Alzeyoudi added to the UAE’s success by securing the second gold medal, winning the women’s discus F11/38/40/41/44 final with a throw of 20.47m in the combined category event. In the men’s 100m T53, Mohammed Almazrouei claimed silver with a time of 16.72s, narrowly finishing behind Thailand’s Setthawut Phueakfueang, who clocked 16.67s.
In the women’s javelin F33/34, Sara Aljneibi earned a silver medal with a throw of 8.93m, while Aishah Salem Alkhaaldi narrowly missed out on a podium finish by 0.03m. Additional medals for the UAE came from Ahmed Alhosani (men’s shot put F33), Eisa Almazrouei (men’s shot put F32), Mohammed Al Kaabi (men’s shot put F36), and Salem Alshehhi (men’s 100m T54).
Among international competitors, India’s Sumit Antil opened his season with a gold medal in the men’s javelin F42/44/64 combined final, achieving a throw of 68.26m. Gurubaskarase Sakkappan set one of two new Asian records on the opening day with a 53.66m effort. Navdeep won the men’s javelin F40/41 with a throw of 41.64m, while Rinku topped the men’s javelin F46 with 59.46m. Pakistan’s Haider Ali secured gold in the men’s discus F36/37 final with a throw of 54.71m.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the opening Grand Prix of the season features 500 athletes from 56 countries competing over four days. The event serves as a platform for athletes seeking qualification standards for major events later this year.
