Strong line-up for first Sharm El Sheikh 2024 World Cup

After a break of two weeks, the Para Powerlifting action is set to resume in Sharm El Sheikh, the Egyptian resort town, with the second World Cup of the season from Wednesday (20 March).

As many as 245 athletes from 34 nations, including Paralympic and World champions, will be in action this week in a quest to improve their rankings in the Paris 2024 race. 

This will be the first time Sharm El Sheikh, the coastal Egyptian city will host a World Cup after the event has been staged in its capital, Cairo in the past.

Strong home line-up

Having missed the first World Cup in Dubai, the hosts Egypt is set to field the biggest line-up of 105 athletes spearheaded by Paralympic stars Sherif Osman and Rehab Ahmed.

Ahmed, the reigning world champion and winner at Cairo 2023 World Cup, will be among the favourites in women’s -55kg and will be ready to enthral the home fans. 

Meanwhile, Osman will be aiming for an improved show in men’s -59kg after faltering in the last World Championships.

Among others in the line-up are Mohamed Elmenyawy (men’s -59kg) and Mohamed Elelfat (men’s -88kg), both of whom are world medallists.

Nigerian giants

Nigeria will be another nation to watch out for with reigning world champions Onyinyechi Mark (women’s -61kg) and Kafila Almaruf (women’s -73kg) in their star-studded line-up.

The women’s field will also include strong Nigerian names including Paralympic medallists Omolayo Bose (women’s -79kg), Loveline Obiji (women’s -86kg) and Folashade Oluwafemiayo (women’s -86kg) besides Dubai 2023 world silver medallist Esther Nworgu (women’s -41kg) keen to put up a strong show. 

Among other visiting nations, Jordan will have their biggest stars Omar Qarada (men’s 49kg) and Abdelkareem Khattab (men’s -97kg), the Paralympic champions,  who should finish on top.

All eyes will be on Khattab, the world record holder in men’s up to 88kg at Dubai 2023 Worlds, who will be expected to set a new record in men's -97kg category.  

Iraq’s Rasool Mohsin, who took the gold in the opening World Cup in Dubai, will be aiming to continue the momentum in men’s -80kg.

Where to follow?

Action from the Sharm El Sheikh 2024 World Cup can be followed live here.

The schedule and results can be found here.