Arshad qualifies for 800m final at Paris Paralympics

Qatar’s Ali Arshad qualified for the final of the 800m wheelchair race in the T34 category at the Paris Paralympic Games on Friday. At the Stade de France, Arshad set a new personal best in the first round, finishing with a time of 1:40.36 secs. He was placed third in his heat, behind China’s Wang Yang, who set a new Paralympic record with a time of 1:38.57, and Thailand’s Chaiwat Ratana, who came in second with a time of 1:38.61.The final is scheduled for 11am today, where Arshad will aim for his first Paralympic medal after finishing sixth in the 100m wheelchair race last Monday.Arshad has a history of significant achievements, including a bronze medal in the 100m wheelchair race at the Asian Games in Hangzhou 2022 and a fourth-place finish in the 400m wheelchair race at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, earlier this year.He also secured a silver medal in the 100m race and bronze medals in the 200m and 400m races at the 3rd West Asian Paralympic Games in Bahrain 2022.Most recently, at the West Asian Games in Sharjah 2024, he won silver medals in the 400m and 800m races and a bronze in the 100m race.After qualifying for the 800m final, Arshad expressed his happiness at reaching this stage and the opportunity to compete for a Paralympic medal. He attributed his success to the dedication of the technical, medical, and administrative staff supporting the Qatari team.Reflecting on his experience in the 100m race, where he finished sixth, Arshad said, "The 100m race was a big test for me, and although I came in sixth, the experience gave me more confidence and allowed me to improve my strategy. I can now apply what I learned in today’s final.”He added, "The 800m race is a completely different challenge, requiring greater endurance. I’ve worked intensively with my coaching staff to fine-tune the small details that could make a difference at this level of competition. I hope to give my best and win a medal.”