Gold for Morocco in Para Athletics
Moroccan athlete Ayman Elhadaoui won the gold medal in the 400 meters (T47 category) at the World Para Athletics Championships held in New Delhi, India, yesterday.
Elhadaoui, who previously secured a bronze in the 100 meters (T47 category) during the same championship, confirmed his position as one of the top sprinters in this distance with a commanding performance in the final. He completed the 400 meters in a time of 47.14 seconds, finishing ahead of Brazilian Thomas Roan de Morais (47.90 seconds), while South Africa’s Colin Mahlalela took third place (48.04 seconds).
Elhadaoui shone at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, winning the gold medal in the 400 meters and setting a new world record, in addition to earning a bronze in the 100 meters.
The Moroccan champion expressed his happiness at winning this gold medal, which is the first for Morocco at this global event, dedicating it to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press, Elhadaoui mentioned that the conditions in New Delhi were challenging due to high temperatures and humidity, “but we managed to take on the challenge through hard work and determination.”
In addition to Elhadaoui, other Moroccan athletes are also striving for success in this event. Sprinter Mehdi Afri (T12 category) will compete in the final of the 400 meters today, while Laila and Ibtissam Kerrata (T41 category) will take part in the finals of the discus and shot put. Zakaria Dhahrim (F33 category) is set to compete in the shot put final this Sunday.
The championship will run until October 5, featuring over 1,000 athletes competing in 186 events (101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event), an increase of 15 medals compared to the 2024 edition held in Kobe, Japan.
