Algeria’s Baka targets glory at Dubai Paralympic event

With the stage set in Dubai for historic edition of World Para Athletics Championships, Algeria’s Abdellatif Baka, a two-time Paralympic champion, will be among the stars to watch out for during the event.

The middle-distance athlete Baka hogged the limelight when he broke the record after winning the men’s 1,500m T13 in a time faster than that of the Rio 2016 Olympic champion.

Baka bagged gold in record time of 3:48.29, a time 0.55 seconds faster than the previous world record, set by US athlete Matt Centrowitz.

Issuing warning to the rivals, the Algerian declared that he is in Dubai to retain the titles.

“My focus is to keep my world title intact. I am here to make my country proud by winning medals in Dubai,” said Baka.

Considered as one of the consistent performer, the Algerian won 800m and 1,500m T13 gold at the 2013 World Championships, and two silvers two years later at Doha 2015 championship.

He returned to the top of the podium at London in 2017 and holds both the 800m and 1500m world records for his class. Exuding confidence, Baka said: “I am ready to give my 100 per cent at the competitions.” Eyes will also be on Ireland’s Jason Smith. The Irish sprinter, who is world’s fastest para athlete, will be gunning for 100m title in T13 category of the championships.

Smyth claimed his seventh world title at London 2017, winning double sprint gold to continue his unbeaten run. He won 100m and 200m T13 gold at both the 2006 and 2013 World Championships, but only raced the 100m at Doha 2015.

Much is also expected from Trinidad and Tobago’s Akeem Stewart, Namibia’s Ananias Shikongo, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug, Germany’s Markus Rehm, Brazil’s Petrucio Ferreira as they will be among the elite athletes to look out for.

Meanwhile, Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Dubai Club for People of Determination, said: “We like to thank the Dubai Sports Council for its support in organising the competition. It will be the largest in the history of para athletics.

Thani Juma also revealed the medals of the World Championships, which carries the image of the most prominent tourist attractions in Dubai and was designed in Braille language to suit the participants with vision impairments.