Dubai 2026 GP: Paris 2024 stars steal the show in season opener 

Dubai successfully hosted the first World Para Athletics Grand Prix of the 2026 circuit with several reigning Paralympic champions opening the season in style. 

While there was no world record set during the four-day event (10-13 February) held at the traditional stadium of the Dubai Club for People of Determination, three regional records fell on the opening day. 

Kenya’s Nathan Kemboi (men’s javelin F46), Colombia’s Mauricio Valencia (men’s shot put F34) and India’s Gurubaskarase Sakkappan (men’s javelin F42) stood out with regional records at a venue that hosted the 5th Asian Youth Para Games just two months back.

India top medals 

With Paralympic stars in their ranks, India delivered a commanding performance at the opening Grand Prix finishing on top of the medals table with an overall 43 medals that was laced by 16 gold medals. Colombia and Kenya followed with 11 and six gold from their 20 medals each.

For India, who are the hosts of the next Grand Prix in New Delhi, it was a preparation for their home event and the athletes impressed with their form and commitment. 

Two-time Paralympic champion Sumit Antil returned to one of his happy hunting grounds with the gold in the men’s javelin F64, while other Paris 2024 champions Navdeep (men’s javelin F41) and Dharambir Nain (men’s club throw F51) too began the season on a winning note in Dubai.

They were joined by Paris 2024 double bronze medallist Preeti Pal as she claimed gold and bronze in the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events, respectively. 

Among others, Bhagyashri M. Jadhav pulled off an emotional victory in the women’s shot put and javelin F34 category as it marked a powerful comeback.

“I have been playing for the last 8 to 10 years. I participated in Paris 2024 Paralympics and was also part of the Tokyo 2020, but Dubai felt different. My performance here was the best so far. Winning two golds was a huge motivation. I will carry this confidence forward and aim to win gold at the World Championships next year,” said Jadhav.

Among other top names: seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Tunisia's Raoua Tlili (F41) took gold and silver in women’s shot put and discus combined class F40/41/44/46 final.

In the absence of a regular face in Dubai, Swiss great Marcel Hug, Paris 2024 bronze medallist Faisal Alrajehi of Kuwait collected two golds in the men’s 1500 m wheelchair combined T34/53/54 class and men’s 5000 m wheelchair T54 races, while multiple-time world champion Yassine Gharbi claimed the top position in the men’s 400m and 800m T54.

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Home stars

Overall, UAE finished in the fourth place with 31 medals that included six golds.

The home team’s gold medal charge was led by rising star Mohamad Othman, Paralympian and the New Delhi 2025 Worlds bronze medallist, who stood out with two gold medals through dominant performances in the men’s 100m T34 and men’s 400m T34 wheelchair races.

“It feels great to win the gold medal at the start of the season. I’m happy with the way I raced. This has set the tone going ahead here and, in the season ahead,” said an elated Othman who finished ahead of his arch-rival and five-time Paralympic champion Walid Ktila of Tunisia. Ktila, however, compensated with gold in men’s 800m T34 races.

“The main goal this year is to win the gold at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya,” Othman added.

There were other home stars who contributed with gold medals in the start of the 2026 season. Rio 2016 Paralympic silver medallist Sara Aljneibi returned to the top of the podium in the women’s shot put F32/33, while Thekra Al Kaabi thrilled the home fans with her speed in the men’s 100m T71/72 race, inspiring young women to pursue sport.

Other gold medallists were Kobe 2024 world champion Maryam Alzeyoudi (women’s discus throw F40), and Abdulla Mesbahi (men’s shot put F52/53/54).

“I want to keep my level high, win more gold medals, and improve my distances,” said Alzeyoudi.

Relive the action

You can relive the action from the Dubai 2026 Grand Prix in Dubai Club for People of Determination YouTUbe channel while results of all four days can be found here.

The Grand Prix now moves to India for the second event of the year in New Delhi from 11-13 March.