India has stormed to the top of the medal tally at the Dubai 2026 Grand Prix-Fazza International Athletics Championship, clinching a staggering 43 medals including 16 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze. This dominant performance marks a triumphant start to the World Para Athletics Grand Prix season, held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
Columbia secured second place with 20 medals, boasting 11 golds, while Kenya followed with 6 golds among their 20 medals. Host nation UAE finished fourth with 31 medals, including 6 golds. The event underscores India’s rising prowess in para sports on the global stage.
Leading the charge was two-time Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, who hurled to gold in the men’s javelin F64. Joining him were Paris 2024 gold medalist Navdeep in men’s javelin F41 and Dharmabir Nain in men’s club throw F51, both securing victories to kick off the season in style.
Paris 2024 double bronze medalist Preeti Pal shone brightly, grabbing gold in women’s 100m T35 and bronze in 200m T35. Her consistent excellence post-Paris continues to inspire. ‘My goal is to improve my personal best and win more golds for India. This is just the beginning,’ she declared.
Bhagyashri M. Jadhav delivered an emotional double gold in women’s shot put F34 and javelin F34. A veteran of Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, she called this her best performance yet. ‘Winning two golds here is a huge motivation. I’ll carry this confidence to the World Championships next year,’ Jadhav said.
Other gold winners included Rinku Hooda (men’s javelin F46), Rio 2016 bronze medalist Varun Singh Bhati (men’s high jump T42), Dilip Mahadu Gavit (men’s 400m T46), and Sahil Salim Sayyed (men’s discus wheelchair F54/55). Silvers went to Sunil Kumar, Pranav Surma, and Gurubhaskarse Sakkappan, while bronzes were claimed by Ranjit Chanda, Poonam Ram, Fatima Khatun, Deepesh Kumar, and others.
With India set to host the next WPA Grand Prix at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, this Fazza Championship triumph sends a powerful message ahead of major global events. India’s para athletes are primed for more glory.