Khattab eyes historic third gold at LA 2028 Paralympics

A legend of the sport, Abdelkareem Khattab has taken the Para powerlifting world by storm since his gold medal performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he set a new Paralympic record.

The Jordanian legend has continued this remarkable run at the World Championships in 2021 and 2023, followed by successfully defending his Paralympic title in Paris and, most recently, at the Cairo 2025 World Championships. His humility and constant desire to challenge himself define his personality, and he continues to dominate the bench – and the hearts of fans – through his strength and character.

Looking back at the Cairo 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships, Khattab was among the standout performers in the 97kg category. Although he was not at his physical best, the powerlifting legend defended his title once again, stamping his dominance at Africa’s first-ever World Championships.

“It feels great to raise the flag of my country again. I tried to break the world record, but no luck. I will regain my strength and come back stronger,” said the 34-year-old Khattab, who lifted 240kg, below his world record of 270kg set at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The 34-year-old from Zarqa, Jordan, admitted that he experienced chest pain during the competition in Cairo and later underwent surgery on his left shoulder. He is now focused on returning stronger than ever next year.

“Yes, I have been thinking about LA 2028 and training daily, with the goal of winning Paralympic gold once again. I have set clear targets: to break new records, maintain my physical and mental health, and improve every aspect of my performance — technique, strength, endurance, and psychological readiness.

"Training never stops; it evolves with a well-structured plan to reach the top again. But I must also be careful and take proper rest to allow my injury to recover. I want to save the record for LA,” Khattab told WPPO.

When asked about the secret behind his multiple major titles, Khattab responded humbly: “The important thing is to train regularly and to respect and follow the coach,” he said.

Golden again! 🥇🇯🇴

Jordan’s Abdelkareem Khattab becomes a 3-time world champion in Cairo after lifting 240kg to win the men’s up to 97kg title! 💪

🥈 Egypt’s Hany Abdelhady
🥉 Iran’s Aliasghar Abareghi#Cairo2025 #ParaPowerlifting pic.twitter.com/vEQ09LkRDx

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) October 16, 2025

Breakthrough win

From a fifth-place finish in Dubai 2014 to his breakthrough victory in Mexico City 2017, Khattab admits he has come a long way – and the journey has been a beautiful one, with the gold at Paris 2024 shining the brightest.

“My memories from Paris 2024 are still extremely strong – truly unforgettable moments. Winning the gold medal while setting a world record was a dream realised after tremendous struggle and effort. When the lift was successfully completed and the referee signalled a good lift, I knew the gold was mine. The joy is indescribable, as if all the hard work and sacrifices had come together in that single moment.”

Failing to win a medal at his debut Paralympics in Rio 2016, Khattab came back stronger a year later for his breakthrough moment, claiming the bronze medal in the -80kg weight category at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Mexico City. He continued that momentum at the 2018 Asia-Oceania Open Powerlifting Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan, where he claimed the silver medal.

One year later, he was again among the medals at the 2019 World Para Powerlifting Championships, claiming bronze in another higher, men’s 88kg category.

By 2020, he had already established himself as a leading name in Para powerlifting –also setting a new world record of 237kg on his way to winning the men’s -88kg gold at the Dubai 2021 World Cup.

He further cemented his status by claiming his first Paralympic gold at Tokyo 2020.

And the rest was history.

Day 8️⃣ done and dusted! Two world records 🌍💥 and a bunch of epic moments ✨ — definitely one to remember! 🔥🙌

Which podium battle did you enjoy the most?

📸 @Hiroki_Nishioka / WPPO#Cairo2025 #ParaPowerlifting pic.twitter.com/VCzcyqBwgl

— Para Powerlifting (@Powerlifting) October 16, 2025

'Life changed a lot'

The three-time world champion described how his life changed following his second Paralympic gold in Paris. He believes that he now has a greater ability to inspire the younger generation.

"My life has changed significantly."

“That win (Paris 2024 gold) and the record brought me greater recognition both locally and internationally, as well as increased support from the sporting community and media. I now have a stronger platform to inspire young people, especially those with disabilities, to aim higher.

“My training routine has become more organised, with greater attention to detail, better planning, and a healthier balance between my personal life and sporting goals,” said Khattab, who produced an incredible display of strength and courage by lifting a massive 270kg to win the men’s -97kg gold medal in Paris, improving his own world record by 10kg.

It was his first Paralympic gold in the men’s up to 97kg category and second overall after his Tokyo 2020 title in the men’s up to 88kg.

As he looks ahead to LA 2028, Khattab’s story is far from finished and if history is any guide, the world is set to witness a champion rise once more, unstoppable in strength and unshakable in his quest for gold.