HANGZHOU (China), Oct 24 / WAM / Today, athletes from the athletics and shooting teams won the first three medals (one gold and two silver) for the UAE at the ongoing Asian Paralympic Games in Hangzhou.

In the Huanglong Track 800m (T34), champion Mohammed Al-Qaida won gold, covering the distance in 1:38.10 minutes, followed by China’s Wenhao Kang (1:39.22 minutes) and Yang Wang (1:40.36). minutes).

Al-Qaida won titles in the race at the 2019 World Championships in Dubai, the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2018 Asian Paralympic Games in Jakarta, and also qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Athlete Tigra Al Gabi bagged silver in the F32 pole vault event with 857 points. Presto Habibi of Iran came first with 934 points and Ekta Bayan of India came third with 832 points.

Shooter Saif Al Taheri added a second silver in the 50m rifle, lying position (SH2) category, scoring 249.8 points to beat Thailand’s Inosun Shaishmanan to the gold medal with 251.7 points. , and South Korean Seoljae Lee finished third with 228.7 points.

Al-Qaida expressed his great joy at winning the first gold medal for the UAE in Hangzhou, dedicating the medal to the leadership and people of the UAE, and said: “In such important forums, we do not represent ourselves, but we represent the Emirates, and our ambition is to be in line with the status of our country. Should.” .

He explained: “Despite the hardships and challenges, after a month and a half outdoor preparation camp in Thailand, I went directly to China. It was difficult for me to withdraw and not participate in the race, thank God, success was my partner.

Al-Qaida stressed that the medal will be a strong incentive for him to continue his achievements as he prepares for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

At the start of his achievements in the shooting sport, Saif Al Taheri insisted that his medal in the competition was a strong motivation for him and said: “I dedicate this medal to brilliant leadership. Committed people, and we have so much more to offer Emirates.

He added: “After the tournaments in Hanover and Lima, this medal was achieved in my third international participation and I consider it a good omen for what is to come for me and motivation for my other teammates in the national team during the current tournament.”

Tigra Al Gabi proved to be the most precious medal of his career, especially as it was achieved amid strong competition at this tournament.

Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, President of the National Paralympic Committee and Head of Delegation, said that the strong spirit and desire of the athletes to raise the UAE flag was the driving force behind winning these three medals and said, “We dedicate this achievement. Our brilliant leadership and their top Sheikhs for what they have given to the sports of the determined people in the UAE puts us in the ranks of the global nations that are interested in the sports of the determined people.

He added: “Al-Qaida’s gold medal embodies the efforts and sacrifices the player has made to raise his country’s name in international forums in recent times, and Saif Al-Taheri and his male teammate Al-Gabi, who have put in their utmost efforts to achieve this feat. After.

In the remaining results on Tuesday, Omair Younis finished fifth in the discus throw (F55 category) in athletics. In bow and crossbow, Mohammed Al Shehi lost 16 qualifiers. In Badminton, Mohammad Al-Saroni and Jamal Al-Badwawi lost 0-2 to Thailand’s Domnern Junthong and Jakarin Homehole.

The athletics, shooting and badminton teams will continue their competitions tomorrow, Wednesday, and the judo team will also start participating in the competition.

In athletics, Noura Al Khedbi and Tigra Al Gabi will compete in the women’s shot put (F32), Siham Al Rashidi in the discus (F56), and Bader Al Hosani in the men’s 800. Meter Qualification, Type (T54).

In the shooting competition, 6 male and female UAE national team players will compete in two events, where Obaid Al Thanhani, Saif Al Nuaimi and Abdullah Saif Al Ariani will participate in the 10m air rifle event. In the (SH1) category, Mona Hassan, Ayesha Al Shamsi and Ayesha Al Muhairi will compete in the Air Rifle event. 10 parking meters per class (SH2).

Maryam Al-Thanhani, judoka, competes in the 70kg (T1) competition.

On the other hand, West Asian Paralympic Federation President Dr Abdul Razak Bani Rashid won the membership in the Executive Office of the Asian Paralympic Committee representing the West Asian region for the 2023-2027 session. Today.