Dubai, Feb 17 (NationPress) India showcased an impressive performance at the inaugural Dubai 2026 Grand Prix - Fazza International Athletics Championships, clinching the top position in the medal standings with a remarkable total of 43 medals: comprising 16 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze.

In second and third places were Colombia and Kenya, each with 20 medals that included 11 and 6 gold respectively, while the UAE finished fourth with 6 gold from a total of 31 medals at this season's first World Para Athletics Grand Prix.

For India, which is set to host the next WPA Grand Prix at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, it was essential for their athletes to kick off the season with confidence, and they achieved just that at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.

Two-time Paralympic champion Sumit Antil made a triumphant return to one of his favorite venues, securing gold in the men’s javelin F64 category, while fellow throwers and Paris 2024 gold medal contenders Navdeep (men’s javelin F41) and Dharambir Nain (men’s club throw F51) also started the season on a high note.

They were joined by Paris 2024 double bronze medallist Preeti Pal, who took home both gold and bronze in the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events, respectively. Her medal haul in Dubai reinforced her consistency after achieving two historic bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

“My aim is to enhance my personal best and secure as many golds as possible for India. This is merely the start. I aspire to accomplish even more for India,” she stated.

Among others, Bhagyashri M. Jadhav celebrated an emotional victory in the women’s shot put and javelin F34 categories, marking a significant comeback.

“I have been competing for the past 8 to 10 years. I participated in the Paris 2024 Paralympics and was also part of the Tokyo 2020, but Dubai felt different. My performance here was my best to date. Winning two golds was incredibly motivating. I will carry this confidence into the World Championship next year,” Jadhav expressed.

Other gold medalists included New Delhi 2025 world champion Rinku Hooda (men’s javelin F46), Rio 2016 bronze medallist Varun Singh Bhati (high jump men T42), Hangzhou 2022 gold Asian Para Games medallist Dilip Mahadu Gavit (men’s 400m T46), and Sahil Salim Sayyad (men’s discus wheelchair men F54/55).

Silver medals were secured by Sunil Kumar, Pranav Soorma, and Gurubaskarase Sakkappan, while bronze medals went to Ranjit Chanda, Poonma Ram, Fatima Khatoon, Dipesh Kumar, and others.

The Fazza Championships have historically been a pivotal event on the World Para Athletics circuit, and topping the medal table in Dubai conveys a strong message ahead of forthcoming global competitions.

Dubai represented more than just podium finishes; it was a testament to the depth of Indian Para athletics—demonstrating that it boasts not just a few standout athletes, but a comprehensive squad capable of excelling under pressure.