UAE's Mohamed Al Hammadi wins silver at the World Para Athletics Championships

Denzil Pinto 21:41 18/07/2017
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  • UAE’s Mohamed Al Hammadi claimed his second medal of the World Para Athletics Championships on Monday night, winning silver in the men’s 400m T34 final.

    The 32-year-old finished in 50.94 seconds behind winner and long-term rival Walid Ktila, who crossed home first in 50.56 secs.

    Finland’s Henry Manni claimed bronze after edging USA’s Austin Pruitt in 52.24 secs.

    For Al Hammadi, it was the second time he was on the podium after winning bronze medal in the 100m T34 class on Saturday night.

    His feats came days after the tragic death of former UAE team-mate Abdullah Hayayei, who died on Tuesday in London after a training cage collapsed on him during a training session.

    “The tragedy affected us, it affected the whole team, and we had to prove ourselves and perform our best to raise the flag,” said the Rio Paralympic champion in the 800m T34 class.

    “I have worked as hard as I could to do my best, whether I am first, second or third I am raising the flag for UAE.”

    Al Hammadi will again be back in action at the Olympic Stadium tomorrow in the 800m T34 as well as the 200m T34 on Friday.

    And the Emirati is eager to add to his tally even though he’s wary of the efforts he has to put in.

    “Doing four events is difficult but I want to race as much as possible to show my best,” he added.

    For Ktilia, the Tunisian was pleased with his latest victory and lauded Al Hammadi for his efforts.

    “It was very difficult but thanks God for this victory,” said the 31-year-old.

    “I am very happy for my friend Mohamed who finished second because we are very close and we know each other since long time ago when we started competing. Sometimes we even train together in Tunis or in Dubai.”

    He added: “To find the power to compete today you have to train hard and build up on it. My programme is quite full but my favourite even, the 800m is still ahead so I am hoping for a good result.”

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