The 13th Fazza Dubai 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup concluded with China asserting its dominance atop the medals table, while the UAE celebrated a commendable performance with a total of nine medals. China’s exceptional campaign saw them secure 30 medals, including an impressive 22 gold medals.
The host nation, UAE, showcased its prowess in both the Elite and Legends categories, clinching three medals in the Elite category and six in the Legends category. Notable among the UAE’s achievements was Mohammed Khamis Khalaf’s gold medal win in the Legends category, where he also set an Asian record, further cementing the nation’s reputation in para powerlifting.
Iraq emerged as another strong contender among Arab nations, securing a total of seven medals, including two gold medals in the Elite category. Mohsin Rasool’s gold medal triumph in the men’s -80kg category exemplified Iraq’s stellar performance in the competition. Additionally, Morocco claimed one gold medal, further highlighting the diverse talent represented across the Arab world.
China’s standout performance was epitomized by Paralympic and world champion Guo Lingling, who shattered her own world record in the women’s category, lifting an astounding 121kg to claim gold. Lingling’s remarkable feat underscored China’s dominance in para powerlifting and set the stage for her aspirations at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The competition witnessed a total of six world records, including Legends records, with Lingling’s record-breaking lift standing as the sole world record in the Elite category. Furthermore, several regional records were set, including five Asian records, four Americas records, and eight European records, highlighting the global participation and competitiveness of the event.
China’s success extended beyond Lingling, with several of her compatriots, including Paralympic and world medallists Cui Zhe, Tan Yujiao, Zheng Feifei, Yan Panpan, and Zou Yi, securing gold medals in their respective categories. The Team events provided an additional platform for players to showcase their talents, with Uzbekistan and Brazil emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s team events, respectively, while China claimed the mixed team event title.
Overall, the Fazza Dubai 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup served as a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and the remarkable achievements of para athletes on the global stage. As nations continue to invest in para sports and provide opportunities for athletes to excel, the future of para powerlifting looks brighter than ever.