Fazza 2019: Paralympic champions clash

Paralympic and world champions are set to compete at the 10th Fazza 2019 World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between 8 and 12 February.

One of the biggest stars is Egyptian legend Sherif Osman, who has already announced he will try to break his own world record of 211kg in the men’s up to 59kg.

“I am so excited about starting my season winning gold at Fazza 2019,” he said. “I hope to break the world record again at the World Cup. God willing, I will lift 211.5kg.”

Two-time Paralympic silver medallists Omar Qarada of Jordan (up to 49kg) and Rasool Mohsin of Iraq (up to 72kg) are two other male powerlifters to look out for.

Another event which promises to be exciting is the men’s up to 54kg, which pits Greece’s Rio 2016 silver medallist Dimitrios Bakochristos against Brazil’s Parapan American silver medallist Bruno Carra.

The home crowd will be hoping for gold in the men’s up to 97kg through 2017 World Championships bronze medallist Mohammed Khalaf.

Also keep an eye on Mongolian Paralympic bronze medallist Sodnompiljee Enkhbayar in the men’s up to 107kg.

Female stars

Two Paralympic champions will clash in the highly anticipated women’s over 86kg. Egypt’s Rio 2016 champion Randa Mahmoud will meet Nigeria’s London 2012 gold medallist Loveline Obiji. Mexican three-time Paralympic medallist Perla Barcenas is hoping to cause an upset.

Obiji’s compatriot and Mexico City 2017 world champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo will be the woman to beat in the up to 86kg.

Ukrainian Mariana Shevchuk, who broke the world record in the up to 55kg, will be one to look out for at Fazza 2019.

Brazil will also travel with a strong team made up of three female 2018 Americas champions in Mariana D’Andrea (up to 67kg), Tayana Medeiros (up to 86kg) and Maria de Oliveira (up to 50kg).

Competition kicks off with the women’s up to 41kg, and men’s up to 49kg and 54kg competitions.

Live streaming and full results are available on World Para Powerlifting's website.