Impairment Information |
Type of Impairment |
Impaired muscle power |
Origin of Impairment |
Acquired |
Further Personal Information |
Residence |
Dubai, UAE |
Languages |
Arabic, English |
Sport Specific Information |
When and where did you begin this sport? |
He began powerlifting in 1994 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. |
Why this sport? |
His uncle encouraged him to start. "I fell in love with this sport. It symbolises challenge and strength. If you don't train for a week you come back and have to start from scratch. This is why I like powerlifting - because you can never stop." |
Club / Team |
Dubai Club for the Disabled: United Arab Emirates |
Name of coach |
Tito Kasem, MAR, from 1994 |
Senior International Debut |
Year |
1998 |
Competing for |
United Arab Emirates |
General Interest |
Memorable sporting achievement |
Winning two gold medals and one silver medal at the Paralympic Games between 2004 and 2016. (Athlete, 05 Dec 2017) |
Hero / Idol |
Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Athlete, 05 Dec 2017) |
Sporting philosophy / motto |
"Have the spirit to challenge yourself." (Athlete, 05 Dec 2017) |
Awards and honours |
He was flag bearer for the United Arab Emirates at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. (paralympic.org, 29 Aug 2012) |
Impairment |
He had polio as a young child, which resulted in paralysis in his legs. (Athlete, 05 Dec 2017; bplondon2012.com, 01 Jun 2012) |
Other information |
NATIONAL FIRST
He became the first Emirati athlete in any sport to win a Paralympic gold medal by claiming victory in the 82.5kg category at the 2004 Games Athens. (london2012.com, 01 Aug 2012)
FROM QATAR TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Born in Qatar, he moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at age 10 with his family. (thenational.ae, 07 Feb 2017) |
