In a display of sheer athletic dominance, India’s para athletes topped the medal standings at the Fazza International Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, amassing 43 medals with a leading haul of 16 golds, 13 silvers, and 14 bronzes. This victory at the season’s inaugural World Para Athletics Grand Prix sets an exhilarating tone for the year ahead.
Columbia impressed with 11 golds in their 20-medal tally, Kenya notched 6 golds among 20, and UAE, the hosts, grabbed 6 golds en route to 31 medals and fourth place. The competition at Dubai Club for People of Determination highlighted the intensifying global para athletics scene.
Sumit Antil, the double Paralympic javelin champion, opened his campaign with gold in F64. Paris 2024 sensation Navdeep triumphed in men’s javelin F41, and club thrower Dharmabir Nain claimed gold in F51, signaling India’s throwing strength.
Preeti Pal, fresh from double bronze in Paris, added gold in 100m T35 and bronze in 200m T35. Her post-Paralympic form remains red-hot. Reflecting on her wins, Pal shared, ‘I aim to shatter my personal records and pile up golds for India. Much more to come.’
Bhagyashri Jadhav’s tears of joy followed double gold in shot put and javelin F34. Drawing from her Tokyo and Paris Paralympic experience, she beamed, ‘This is my career-best. These golds fuel my dream of world championship glory next year.’
The gold rush continued with Rinku Hooda in javelin F46, high jumper Varun Singh Bhati (T42), sprinter Dilip Mahadu Gavit (400m T46), and discus thrower Sahil Salim Sayyed (F54/55). Silvers for Sunil Kumar, Pranav Surma, Gurubhaskarse Sakkappan, and bronzes for Ranjit Chanda, Poonam Ram, and more rounded out a stellar team effort.
As hosts of the upcoming Grand Prix in New Delhi, India rides high on this momentum. The Fazza GP, a cornerstone of the para circuit, positions the nation strongly for future battles.