Bahrain’s Paralympic dream team ready for Paris 2024

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Hussain Almaskati

Bahrain’s Paralympic Athletics team is set to begin their campaign at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, which commence today and run until September 8. Bahraini athletes scheduled to compete from August 30-31. With high hopes, the team aims to add to the Kingdom’s proud legacy in international sports.

The President and Secretary-General of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa and Ali B. Mohammed Al-Majed, have touched down in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

They underscored the robust support from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other Bahraini leaders, praising the ongoing encouragement from Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the substantial backing from HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

During their visit, they met with the Bahrain Paralympic team at their accommodations in the Paralympic Village, offering vital psychological and moral support as the athletes prepare for competition.

Athletes to Watch

Leading the charge are Ruba Al Omari in shot put and sprinter Hussein Mohamed, supported by Abdullah Jameel, who serves as a guide and partner for a visually impaired athlete. The team is under the guidance of mission director Shaikh Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa and technical director Lateefa Bouhajji.

The athletes are backed by a dedicated coaching staff, including throw coach Hassan Miftah and sprint coach Mousa Hassan, both instrumental in their preparation.

Rigorous Preparations

The team wrapped up an intensive training camp in Kazakhstan, which ran from July 22 to August 19, sharpening their skills for the challenges ahead in Paris.

Bahrain at the Paralympics

Bahrain has a proud history at the Paralympic Games, making its debut in 1984 and securing all of its ten medals in athletics.

The nation’s first gold came in 1988 when Khaled Al Saqer won the men’s slalom 1A event.

He also claimed bronze in the THW2-3 discus at Barcelona 1992. Sprinter Adel Sultan is the only other multi-medalist for Bahrain, winning bronze in the men’s 5 100m event in 1984 and silver in the men’s 5-6 100m in Seoul 1988.

Fatema Nedham made history in 2016 as the first Bahraini woman to win a Paralympic gold medal, claiming top honors in the F53 shot put.

At the rescheduled 2020 Games, Rooba Alomari achieved Bahrain’s best result with a fifthplace finish in the women’s F55 discus, while Ahmed Meshaima placed eighth in the men’s F38 javelin.

This year’s competitors will be looking to repeat history and even surpass past achievements, aiming to add new chapters to Bahrain’s remarkable Paralympic legacy.

Aligned with the BPC’s principles of enabling participation, fostering an inclusive society, and promoting social transformation, these athletes will strive to break barriers and prove their abilities, contributing to a more supportive and accepting society. As the competition begins, the entire Kingdom of Bahrain stands united behind its athletes, confident in their ability to perform. Best of luck to our champions!