Dhikra Al Kaabi…an Emirati girl who turned the challenge into a path to glory

World and Al Ain Club Champion for People of Determination, Dhikra Ahmed Al Kaabi, confirmed that the high confidence she possesses and the great support from her family and coaches constituted a strong motivation that strengthened her determination to overcome challenges and difficult circumstances, to reach the international podiums. Al-Kaabi won the gold medal in the 100-meter run, T71 category, setting a new world record with a time of 19.89 seconds, breaking the previous record held by Lithuanian athlete Béla Murkus (20.08 seconds), during the World Paralympic Athletics Championships (New Delhi 2025), which was held from September 22 to October 6, 2025.

Al Kaabi told Emirates Today: “In fact, I did not expect to achieve this great achievement, but my coaches and family members believed in my ability to become a world champion, which encouraged me to set ambitious goals and work to achieve them. Their continuous support was the secret of my success, especially since the competition in the race was very strong, as it brought together an elite group of the best female athletes in the world, so the victory had a special and distinct taste.”

She added: “Betting on success and excellence despite the challenges was the focus of my sports and social career, which led me to achieve the best achievements.”

Al Kaabi expressed her overwhelming happiness at winning, saying: “My heart was filled with pride and happiness as I saw the UAE flag flying high, and I felt that the effort and fatigue had not been in vain, and that I was performing an achievement befitting my dear homeland.”

The Emirati champion revealed her most prominent previous achievements, noting that she achieved a silver medal in the discus throw, a silver medal in the shot put at the World Youth Championships – Switzerland 2017, and a gold medal in the shot put at the Asian Youth Paralympic Games – Dubai 2017, and she also participated in the Paralympic Games – Paris 2024.

Regarding her recent achievement in New Delhi, Al Kaabi said: “This achievement increased my ambition and determination to achieve more championships in the future, and gave me greater confidence in my abilities to reach the highest ranks.”

She continued: “I believe that Emirati women only need determination and a spirit of challenge, to embody the vision of the wise leadership for excellence. All the elements are available to her to be a champion and an honorable ambassador for her country in various sporting events.”

Al Kaabi thanked the management of the Al Ain Club for People of Determination and all the officials of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination for the support, care, camps and equipment they provided, in addition to providing the opportunity to participate in the tournaments. She also thanked her coach, Salah Al-Ayouni, and the team’s manager, Mohamed Al-Shezawi, for their great role in the preparations that preceded the tournament, which contributed to developing her technical level and achieving this global achievement.

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Starting challenges

World and Al Ain Club Champion for People of Determination, Dhikra Ahmed Al Kaabi, said: “At the beginning, I faced some challenges, most notably reconciling study and training, in addition to being away from the family for long periods during camps and tournaments, but thanks to the support of the club management, coaches and administrators, I was able to overcome the difficulties, and I became more dependent on myself in various personal and sporting aspects.”

Dhikra Al Kaabi:

. The trust of my coaches and my family made me believe in my ability to reach the world level.

. All the elements are available to Emirati women to be a champion and ambassador for their country in various forums.