SPRINTERS Johannes Nambala and Ananias Shikongo made light work of their rivals at the 2017 World Para Athletics Grand Prix FAZAA International Athletics Competition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Monday.
The pair, who won Namibia’s only medals at the 2016 Rio Games, showed little sign of rustiness despite five months without competitive action as they breezed to victory in their respective 200m races.
Nambala won the first gold medal for the day in the T13 200m, while Ananias Shikongo claimed first place the T11 event but “did not win a medal as only two competitors showed up for this race”.
Nambala’s winning time was 22,08 seconds in a race with seven other competitors, whom he left “12 to 13 metres behind” and Shikongo comfortably outran his rival from England to clock 23,50 seconds.
“What a way to start the season,” said Namibia Paralympic Committee secretary general Michael Hamukwaya told The Namibian Sport Tuesday.
The Dubai Grand Prix has taken place every year since 2009, and since its initiation has seen an increase in number of participants and the level of competition.
The two Namibian stars were due to compete in their final races – 400m for Nambala and 100m for Shikongo – later on Tuesday.
“We are doing very well here in Dubai so far. These races are in preparation for the [IPC] World Championships in July in London. I am very happy with the progress made so far as these are A qualifying times for the world championships and world leading times on the IPC rankings which are very good for Namibia,” said Hamukwaya.
“We still have long way to go to achieve our target which is setting world records in the near future. With more assistance especially from the corporate world these world class athletes from the Land of the Brave can achieve it,” Hamukwaya stressed.
Nambala received 1600 United Arab Emirates dirham [about N$5 475] in prize money for his victory.
Unfortunately his compatriot’s efforts only counted towards a world ranking as his race was not considered competitive by the IPC.
“The athletes are really in competing mood as this is also their first international race after Rio. This may be our last Grand Prix of the year out of nine around the world as NPC of Namibia have no funds to send athletes to other Grand Prix races,” Hamukwaya noted.
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