Paris 2024: Omar Qarada sets sights on world record triumph

Nothing grips sports fans like a gladiatorial rivalry.  Imagine Roger Federer without Novak Djokovic, Lewis Hamilton without Sebastian Vettel or Seb Coe without Steve Ovett. The Para powerlifting world can boast its own special duel in the men’s under 49kg class whenever Omar Qarada of Jordan and Vietnam’s Le van Cong lock horns. 

Qarada is the history-making Paralympic champion while his opposite number is the Rio 2016 Paralympic champion and current world champion. If things go to plan, their meet-up at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is sure to be full of the drama and excitement of previous encounters. 

Surprise, surprise 

To add to the occasion, Qarada’s response to winning the gold medal at Tokyo 2020 was a pledge to his mother that he would not only successfully defend the title at Paris 2024, but also do it with a world record. 

That yardstick is currently held by Cong – 183.5kg - set while becoming world champion at Mexico City 2017.  

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“It is still my aim,” Qarada said. “And the results will surprise everyone in Paris.” 

Brave words indeed from the Para powerlifter, who is a national hero after becoming the first Jordanian to win a Paralympic Games gold medal since Para table tennis player Maha Al-Bargouti at Sydney 2000. 

Friends and rivals 

“I know everyone wants to beat me because I am the champion,” Qarada said. “This motivates me even more. I know how to beat him [Cong] but it’s a secret. 

“We are both competing for gold medals and world records, but we are friends.” 

For Qarada, the gold medal, following silver at Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, was validation for all his years of hard work. He won his first world title in 2010 in Kuala Lumpur but the second did not come until 11 years later. 

Tokyo 2020 became an enthralling battle ground for the pair. Qarada was in danger of being eliminated when he lifted 173kg on his third and final attempt to match his rival. The decision went down to lighter body weight and Qarada prevailed. 

Nip and tuck 

It turned out to be a fruitful year as Qarada beat Cong into second place at the Tbilisi 2021 World Championships with a lift of 174kg against his rival’s 170kg. The contest – a Tokyo 2020 repeat - lasted three and a half hours and was decided in the final lift. 

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Cong gained his revenge at the Dubai 2023 Worlds, lifting 176kg while Qarada took silver with 175kg. 

“After the Dubai competition, I competed with him in the Asian Para Games in China [Hangzhou 2022] and achieved a gold medal, and the next best thing is in Paris,” Qarada said. 

Relishing the challenge 

Cong, who was the first Vietnamese to win a Paralympic gold medal, could only manage bronze at Hangzhou 2022, which was held a year later because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Qarada is already in full flow when it comes to preparations for Paris 2024. He insists he fears no-one. 

“I compete with myself before any other competitor,” he says before revealing his typical day. 

“I train five times per week in addition to fitness exercises that I do alone every day, and I will participate in a number of contests before Paris 2024. I am on a special diet prepared by the sports nutritionist at the Jordanian Paralympic Committee. 

“Paris 2024 is my next dream for which I work hard. I maintain my level as an elite athlete and strive to raise it through the intense exercise plan I follow,” he added. 

Jordan success 

Tokyo 2020 was a resounding success for Jordan, who took home three golds in Para powerlifting and one in athletics. They were the most improved National Paralympic Committee with Qarada kickstarting the gold rush on the opening day.   

The other powerlifting successes were Mohammad Khattab in the -88kg category and Jamil Elshebli in the +107kg. Jordan will be hoping to build on that in Paris. 

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While the focus is very much on the future, Qarada, who was born without legs, allows himself the luxury of recalling his Tokyo moment and how it changed his life. 

“The world got to know me more, and I was interviewed on many television stations that showed my life story and the path of my achievements,” he said. 

“There is a feeling of pride because I will be a role model for many of people in my country, especially those with disabilities, and motivate them to enter the world of Paralympic sports. 

Crowds welcome 

“Afterwards I spent some time resting and having fun with my family, and then I came back to do my intense training and prepare for Paralympics Paris. I was also honoured by the Olympic Committee in my country.” 

There were no spectators at Tokyo 2020, although Qarada had the bonus of his wife Asma Issa being present because she is also a powerlifter.  He cannot wait to perform in front of a crowd again and will also be looking forward to the support from his family. 

“My family, which consists of my mother, brothers, and dear wife, will be my number one supporters as they always are, and my loving and supportive friends, whom I cannot count in number.” 

Book your tickets for the Paralympic Games by visiting the Paris 2024 ticketing website.