UAE's Othman Wins Gold at Home Para Athletics Event

Twenty-two-year-old Mohammed Youssef Othman just won gold at the place he calls his second home.

The UAE wheelchair racer blazed through the men's 100m T34 final in 15 seconds flat at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, the same grounds where he trains daily. Finishing ahead of five-time Paralympic champion Walid Ktila of Tunisia, Othman secured the first gold medal for his country at the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships.

The young athlete finished fifth at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, but he's been working hard to climb higher. He recently trained overseas in Poland and Tunisia, even practicing alongside his hero Ktila, who now calls Othman "like a son to me."

"It feels great to win the gold medal at the start of the season," Othman said after his victory. His eyes are set on an even bigger prize: gold at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya later this year.

Othman wasn't the only UAE athlete celebrating on opening day. World champion Maryam Al Zeyoudi won gold in discus throw, while Mohammed Al Mazrouei took silver in the 100m wheelchair T53 race. Fellow Emirati Sara Aljneibi, a Rio 2016 Paralympic medalist, claimed silver in javelin.

Why This Inspires

The championships brought together 500 athletes from 56 nations, creating a powerful display of determination and excellence. Ktila's words about Othman reveal something beautiful about sports: even fierce competitors can be mentors and family. The Tunisian champion traveled to compete against the young athlete he helped train, cheering him on even while racing for his own victory.

The event showcased champions from across the globe, including Pakistani thrower Haider Ali and Indian javelin stars Sumit Antil and Navdeep, all Paralympic gold medalists. These athletes aren't just breaking records; they're building a community that lifts each other up.

For Othman, winning at home meant everything. Training on these grounds day after day, he transformed familiar territory into his victory stage, proving that dedication in the everyday moments leads to extraordinary achievements.