Fazza-Dubai GP: Silver medals for UAE's Al Hammadi, Alktebi

Dubai - UAE's Noura Alktebi took the silver in women’s shot put final F32 with a throw of 5.07m

The 12th Fazza International Championships – Dubai 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix got off to a rousing start with the hosts claiming three medals, including a silver by local favourite Mohammed Al Hammadi, a Paralympic and World champion, at the Dubai Club for People of Determination grounds on Wednesday.

Al Hammadi, the middle-distance star from the UAE, clocked 15.97 secs to finish behind his Tunisian rival Walid Ktila (14.98 secs), a multiple Paralympic champion, in men’s 100m T34 Final.

The UAE’s Mohammed Yousef Othman was third with a timing of 16.26 secs. However, all of the three of them had finished far behind their personal best timings.

“I am not very happy with my performance today. Though my body feels good to finally compete after a long time. And this track is special to me as I have won three medals at the Dubai 2019 World Championships. The year 2020 had been very difficult for athletes to not train and sit at home. Thankfully, Dubai started Para Athletics season and it is important for us to perform in our home Championships,” Al Hammadi said about his performance.

Meanwhile, UAE’s Noura Alktebi took the silver in women’s shot put final F32 with a throw of 5.07m, finishing behind Algeria’s Mounia Gasmi (5.71m). Thekra Alkaabi (4.35m) brought home the third medal taking the bronze.

Among other top names, Iran’s Paralympic silver medallist Hamid Amiri took the gold in men’s Javelin F53/54 with a throw of 30.96 metres.

The opening of the Championships fell on a historic day when UAE’s Hope Probe successfully entered the Mars Orbit.

Director of the Championships, Majid Al-Usaimi, while congratulating the leadership of UAE on this historic achievement, said that the launch of Hope Probe gave hope that this Championship will be a success.

“We had a lot of challenge hosting this Championship. Similarly, all eyes were on Hope Probe as it was attempting to reach the Mars Orbit yesterday, and after its successful launch I hope it will have a reflection in our mission as well. We have the same hope and energy; and we are looking to create a benchmark for everyone that Dubai can successfully host international events despite the challenging situation,” Al-Usaimi said.