Singapore clinch six medals at World Para Athletics Grand Prix stop in Marrakech

James Ethan Ang (left) won the T13/47 200m at the World Para Athletics leg in Marrakech. PHOTO: SINGAPORE DISABILITY SPORTS COUNCIL

SINGAPORE – Singapore captured six medals (three gold, two silver and a bronze) at the recently concluded World Para Athletics (WPA) Grand Prix stop in Marrakech, Morocco, finishing 10th out of 33 countries.

The March 9-11 event was the third leg of the WPA Grand Prix 2023.

James Ethan Ang won the T13/47 200m in 23.09 seconds last Friday and a silver in the T13 100m a day earlier in 11.56sec, with Samba Coulibaly of Mali taking the gold in 11.49sec. The 21-year-old Singaporean, who is visually impaired, broke national records as well as his personal bests in both categories.

“Personally, I take more pride in breaking my personal bests as opposed to the position,” said Ang. “This Grand Prix is a stepping stone to further major games where I hope to continue breaking my personal bests and to obtain podium finishes for the country... I am thrilled that my timings are improving and can’t wait to do more.”

To prepare for the Grand Prix, he trained for six days a week both on the track and in the gym with his coach, Muhamad Hosni Muhamad, who is a former national sprinter.

This was his second Grand Prix outing, having debuted at the Dubai meet in February, where he was third in the T13 400m.

He will also be competing at the Asean Para Games in June and the Asian Para Games in October.

Singapore’s other gold medallists were Maisarah Mohamed Hassan, 25, (T35/36 women’s 100m) and Muhammad Diroy Noordin, 31, (F40/41 men’s shot put) while Lionel Toh, 24, clinched a silver in the T37 100m and a bronze in the T35/36/37/38/46/47 200m.

Long jumper Suhairi Suhani, 25, who has an intellectual disability, withdrew from his event due to a hamstring injury.

Suhairi, Diroy, Ang and Maisarah have qualified for the World Para Athletics World Championships 2023 in Paris from July 8-17.

Diroy said: “I feel happy and grateful that I get this opportunity to compete there. I hope with this opportunity, I can make the most meaningful and memorable day in my career as a good athlete.”

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.