SHARJAH 12 February 2019: Emirati shooter, Abduullah Al Aryani, has brought the UAE its first-ever gold medal in the R1 10-meter SH1 men’s category at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games in Sharjah today (Monday). German shooter, Norbet Gau, secured silver, while the bronze medal was claimed once again by the UAE, resulting from an exceptional performance by local shooter, Obaid Al Dahmani.
Held Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, day one of the IWAS World Games, Sharjah 2019, began with a shooting competition at the Al Dhaid Sports Club in central Sharjah, and wheelchair fencing at the Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped.
The rest of this week will see 555 international female and male athletes from 50 countries locking horns in seven sporting disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing, that will be held across three state-of-the-art facilities in Sharjah.
An ecstatic Abduullah Al Aryani commented on this unprecedented feat for the UAE, saying: “I am proud to have brought the UAE its first gold medal in this sporting category. All our achievements is a result of hard work and dedication shown by us, which have always received the unwavering support of our wise leadership.
He added: “Earlier in the competition, I was a bit nervous facing the world’s best in this category of sport, however, I kept that aside to go ahead and give everything I had. A huge part of my victory was enabled by the fantastic crowds and supporters who came in with their positivity and created an electrifying atmosphere, which fueled my performance.”
Bronze medalist, Obaid Al Dahmani, added: “Our achievements today are a continuation of the UAE’s past accomplishments in Paralympic sports, and a stepping stone towards future feats that will bring pride to our athletes and our country.”
Dr. Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, Vice-Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee and Chairman of the Executive Committee IWAS Sharjah 2019, said: “We are elated to bring two prestigious wins to the UAE on the first day of this competition. I would like to thank the athletes for their hard work and athleticism, which have raised the UAE flag high with pride. I hope these medals are the first of many for our beloved nation during IWAS World Games, Sharjah 2019.”
Shooting Competitions
Shooters from the UAE, Germany and Uzbekistan competed in the R2 10-meter SH1 women’s competition category this morning. The R1 10-meter SH1 category for men witnessed eight athletes representing India, Iraq, Germany and the UAE fight shoot their way to the podium. In both competition categories, contestants used air rifles without external assistance.
The R9 50-meter SH2 Mixed category brought together four athletes from the UAE, Germany, Australia and Switzerland, who competed using rifles in prone position.
Fencing
Competitions in the wheelchair fencing category also flagged off today at the Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped, and sees participation of 205 athletes from 25 countries, competing in three categories: Individual Foil, Epee and Sabre.
Wheelchair Fencing and Shooting competitions will resume tomorrow (Monday), with the final games of shooting to conclude on Tuesday February 13th, and the fencing games to conclude on Saturday February 16th.