ar- العربية Saudi Arabia is making a mark in sports globally. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is a prime example, with Saudi Arabia sending its largest-ever delegation to compete. These nine talented athletes, representing the Kingdom in athletics, weightlifting, taekwondo, table tennis, and dressage, are poised to make history.
Leading the charge is Abdulrahman Al Qurashi, a name synonymous with perseverance and success. Al Qurashi first captured the world’s attention when he secured Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Paralympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, earning a bronze in the T53 Men’s 100m event. Now, he returns to the Paralympic stage, ready to compete in the 100m and 400m wheelchair athletics events in Paris. His ambition? To become Saudi Arabia’s second Paralympic gold medalist, following in the footsteps of Osamah al-Shanqiti, who won gold in the men’s triple jump in Beijing 2008.
Joining Al Qurashi is a formidable team of athletes, each with their own unique story and aspirations. At just 20 years old, Adnan Saeed is already a rising star in para powerlifting, hoping to add a Paralympic medal to his growing list of achievements. Ahmed Sharbatly, a trailblazer in equestrian sports, returns to the Paralympic stage in dressage, aiming to further cement his legacy. Ali Al Nakhli, with a strong track record in previous Paralympic and Asian Para Games, is set to showcase his speed in the 100m and 200m races.
Eyad Abdullah Al Turayk will represent Saudi Arabia in taekwondo, drawing on his experience from the Asian Para Games and World Championships. In table tennis, Ghalia Al Anzi is aiming to bring home a win for the Kingdom, following her recent competition in the 2024 ITTF Egypt Para Open. Hassan Dawshi, a long jump competitor with several medals under his belt, returns to the Paralympic arena with high hopes. Noor Al Sanaa, who gained international fame in 2019 by winning gold at the World Championships in Dubai, will once again take on the 100m sprint. Finally, Sarah Al Jumaa, one of Saudi Arabia’s first female para-athletes, returns in the shot-put event, determined to secure a podium finish.
As the Paralympic Games unfold in Paris, these nine athletes not only represent the best of Saudi Arabia but also symbolize the Kingdom’s growing presence and dedication to sports excellence and inclusivity on the global stage. Their performances will be a testament to the hard work, resilience, and ambition that drive Saudi Arabia’s sporting aspirations.