Shooter Al Aryani strikes gold for UAE at IWAS World Games
sharjah — Shooter, Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani, clinched the UAE’s first-ever gold medal in the R1 10-metre SH1 men’s category at the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games in Sharjah on Monday. German shooter, Norbet Gau, secured silver, while the bronze medal was claimed by the UAE’s Obaid Al Dahmani.
Day one began with the shooting competition at the Al Dhaid Sports Club and wheelchair fencing at the Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped.
An ecstatic Al Aryani said: “I am proud to win the UAE’s 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.
“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 medallist, 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.”
Shooters from the UAE, Germany and Uzbekistan competed in the R2 10-metre SH1 women’s competition category. The R1 10-metre
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
Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani
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-metre SH2 Mixed category brought together four athletes from the UAE, Germany, Australia and Switzerland, who competed using rifles in prone position.
Competitions in the wheelchair fencing category also flagged off 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.