The Dubai Club for People of Determination is transformed into a battleground for para athletic excellence with the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix underway from February 10-13. Over 500 athletes from 56 countries are converging here, eyes set on clinching vital qualification marks for the year’s marquee events.
Making waves is India’s powerhouse 50-strong contingent, featuring Paris 2024 gold medalists Sumit Antil (javelin F64) and Navdeep (F41). Joining them are Preeti Pal, who snagged two medals in Paris, and Simran, the Paralympic bronze medalist in women’s 200m T12. This lineup underscores India’s rising dominance in the sport.
European flair comes via Belgium’s Maxime Carabin, a dominant force with his Paris Paralympic gold and five world crowns. North America’s spotlight falls on Canada’s Austin Smeenk, who dominated Paris with 800m T34 gold and 100m T34 bronze, setting the stage for more heroics.
UAE’s 65-strong home team is led on track by Mohammad Yousuf Othman, the youthful New Delhi World Championships bronze winner. In the field, Rio veteran Sara Aljenabi (shot put F33), Noura AlKetebi (F32), and recent world champ Mariam AlJeyoudi (F40) will carry the women’s banner high.
‘Training has gone exceptionally well for the new season,’ Othman told reporters. ‘I aim to shine here at home and all season, building towards the Asian Para Games.’
Thani Juma Beredgad, chair of the organizing committee, reflected on the event’s pedigree: ‘Fazaa has set benchmarks since 2009. Post our triumphant Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, expectations are sky-high for flawless execution.’
Majid Al-Osaimi, director of Fazaa Championships, added: ‘Our unwavering commitment has fostered inclusion, top-tier performances, and platforms for motivational tales from athletes of determination.’
This Grand Prix isn’t just a meet; it’s a launchpad for para sports glory, where underdogs and champions alike chase dreams under Dubai’s lights.