Paralympics: Golden finish eludes Al Aryani in final event

The UAE's lone gold medallist at this year's Paralympics could only finish down in sixth in the men’s R7-50m rifle 3 positions-SH1 final at the in London.

The UAE’s Abdulla Sultan Alaryani won gold in the mixed R6-50m rifle prone-SH1 on Tuesday but could only finish sixth in the men’s R7-50m rifle 3 positions-SH1 on Wednesday.
Powered by automated translation

Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani missed out on a second London Paralympic Games medal on Wednesday after reaching the last eight in the R7-50m rifle 3 positions SH1 competition.

The Emirati gold medallist in the mixed R6-50m air rifle prone SH1 on Tuesday finished sixth in his fourth and final event.

His teammate, Obaid Al Dahmani, showed a marked improvement in getting through to the final in which he finished eighth.

Jonas Jakobsson of Sweden won the gold, with Doron Shaziri of Israel and Chao Dong of China taking silver and bronze, respectively.

The Koreans Shim Young-gip and Sim Jae-yong were placed fourth and fifth.

Al Dahmani achieved a personal best at the Games after failing to go beyond the qualifying stages in his previous attempts in three different competitions.

“It was another good effort from our shooters and they can walk out with their heads high,” said Mohammed Fadhel Al Hameli, the chairman of the UAE National Paralympics Committee.

“Although our primary objective was to provide maximum opportunities to our athletes, winning a few medals and achieving some good results will go a long way in encouraging more Emiratis to prepare for the next Paralympic Games.

“I think we have already achieved that with Abdullah’s gold medal and Mohammed Hammadi’s silver. With a few more events left, it would be fair to think we can add another medal or two before we return home.”

Ahmed Khamis Al Baloushi, the weightlifter, and Ahmed Al Housani, in the F33 discus throw, were to take part late Wednesday night in their respective events.

And Hammadi has now become one of the favourites to finish in the medal round in the wheelchair T34-100m on Saturday.

Follow us