Nottwil 2017: London medallist heading to Junior Worlds

With the first World Para Athletics Junior Championships kicking off next Thursday (3 August) in Nottwil, Switzerland, more countries have their teams confirmed, including Bulgaria, Turkey, India and Kuwait.

Hristiyan Stoyanov, who sealed bronze for Bulgaria in the men’s 1,500m T46 at London 2017, is hoping to reach the top of the podium in Nottwil. He will be joined by compatriot and 18-year-old Kostadin Dimitrov.

There is plenty of experience in the Turkish team too; four of their six-strong team competed at the London 2017 World Championships: Onur Kopuzlu, Yasemin Keskinsoy, Mushine Gezer and Esra Bayrak. Rabia Cirit and Esra Genc complete the line-up.

Kuwait will have three representatives (Faisal Alrajehi, Abdulmhsen Alotibi and Dhari Buti), all of whom took part in London.

And from one of the smallest squads to one of the biggest. India are sending 15 Para athletes to Nottwil. Vinay Kumar Lal will be one to look out for, especially after coming in fourth in the men’s 400m T44 at London 2017 with a personal best of 56.59. India will also be hopeful of landing gold through 18-year-old Jayanti Behera, who ended sixth in the women’s 400m T47 at the World Champs.

More information about Nottwil 2017 can be found on the official website.