UAE athletes say they want to “open up minds” as they make history as the first team from the Emirates to participate in a world para badminton championship.
Emiratis Jamal Al Bedwawi, 37, and Siham Al Rushaidi, 42, are ranked among the world’s top 20 athletes in the singles wheelchair competition and are keen to spread the word to young people with disabilities that sport keeps them strong.
Along with UAE resident Omair Muhammad, 28, the three will compete in the West Asia Para Games in Oman on February 1 before heading to the Bahrain 2026 World Para Badminton Championships from February 8.
Al Bedwawi, ranked No 18, wants to change mindsets while playing a game he loves.
“I’m very excited. We want to win medals but we need more people, new players to come play with us,” he told The National during a training session
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