The world’s largest parasports event is returning to Japan 57 years after it was held in Tokyo in 1964. More than 4,500 athletes will be competing over the course of 12 days. And 12 of the athletes will be representing the UAE in athletics, powerlifting, cycling and shooting, with Al Hammadi, Khamis, leading the UAE’s challenge.
The UAE’s challenge at the Tokyo Paralympics will be led by middle-distance Paralympic champion Mohammed Al Hammadi and powerlifting great Khalaf Mohammed Khamis.
On August 29, Al Hammadi, who won bronze and silver at the 2012 London Games before winning gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, will compete.
The other members of the team are Alzeyoudi Mozah (powerlifting), Alktebi Noura (athletics), Nawad Ahmed (athletics), Alzeyoudi Maryam (athletics), Aljneibi Sara (athletics), Alaryani Abdulla Sultan (shooting), Almehairi Ayesha (shooting), Alnuaimi Saif, (shooting), Alaryani Abdulla Saif (shooting) and Almansoori Ahmad (para-cycling).
The UAE’s 12-member team will be trying to improve on its Rio performance, which included two gold medals, four silver medals, and one bronze medal in 2016.
“The year 2020 had been very difficult for athletes, we could not train much. Thankfully, Dubai started Para Athletics season and it is important for us to perform in our home championships,” Al Hammadi had said after winning the silver medal at the Dubai 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in February.
Khalaf Mohammed Khamis, the UAE’s paralympic powerlifting legend, is the country’s other bright medal prospect.
Khamis will compete in his third Paralympics, after winning gold in the 2004 Athens Games and the 2016 Rio Games. Khamis also won a silver medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.
“In the last few months, I have worked really hard and raring to compete. I have also lost several kilos and feel fitter and stronger,” said the 51-year-old Khamis.
The top sporting event for athletes with disabilities opens on today after a year-long pandemic delay.
Good luck to the UAE team! We can’t wait to see how this will play out!
Sending lots of love & support to them!
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