Will India Send 50 Athletes to the Dubai 2026 Para Athletics GP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Dubai, Feb 5 (NationPress) India is set to send a squad of 50 Para-athletes, including stars from the Paris 2024 Paralympics and promising newcomers, to compete in the Dubai 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix. The host nation, the UAE, will showcase the largest team with 65 athletes at the Dubai Club for People of Determination next week.
In total, around 500 para athletes from 56 countries, featuring elite competitors and several Paralympic medalists from the region, will participate in the 2026 edition of the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination, which marks the opening of the Grand Prix season, as announced by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) in a recent press release.
The Para Athletics Grand Prix is scheduled from February 10-13, while the Fazza International Badminton Championships will occur from May 5-11, and the Fazza Para Archery Championships are set for November 7-12, 2026.
This announcement was made at a press conference on Wednesday, where the organizing committee highlighted key aspects of the championships.
During the press conference, Thani Juma Berregad, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination, shared that the event was initiated in 2009 under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
He further elaborated that the championships were designed to promote the integration of People of Determination into society through sports.
“Dubai has emerged as a beacon of support for People of Determination, and the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor has significantly enhanced the championships over the years,” Berregad stated.
He also mentioned that organizing the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Grand Prix comes merely 60 days after the highly praised Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, which places a greater responsibility on the organizing teams to uphold the same high standards of excellence.
Inspiring stories
Majid Al-Usaimi, Director of the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination, emphasized that the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor has enabled People of Determination to thrive, innovate, and fully participate in society.
He concluded by stressing that the Fazza Championships have, over the years, highlighted numerous inspirational stories, with sports serving as a vital catalyst for positive change.
On the other hand, UAE national team athlete Meera Al-Qassab, who is part of the 65-member UAE team participating in the Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix, highlighted that Fazza represents more than just a sporting event.
“Through Fazza, we aim to showcase our strengths and conquer challenges to fulfill our collective aspirations. It seems like just yesterday when I began competing in the championships in 2017, and I always eagerly anticipate my home championships,” stated the shot putter competing in the women’s F34 category.