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Iraq trio aiming for London

By Li Wenfang (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-20 07:58

Mohsin Rasool of Iraq celebrates after winning gold in men's 56kg powerlifting at the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, Dec 14, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - Three of Iraq's nine gold medalists at the Guangzhou Asian Para Games have their sights firmly set on the Para Games in London in 2012.

Mohsin Rasool, who won gold in men's powerlifting - 56kg, at the Guangzhou Games, and Ali Amar, champion in the individual epee - category B, have already qualified for the London Paralympics.

Al Saadi Mahdi, who won the men's shot put - F12, will have to excel at the world championships next year to compete in London.

Amar, 25, was set to inherit his father's business before he was injured in an explosion during the war in Iraq. He was visited by coach while in a hospital, who encouraged him to take up wheelchair fencing.

He started only a year ago and the Guangzhou Games was his first international event.

He received three months' training for the Asian Para Games and competed in a friendly tournament in Malaysia a month ago.

He encountered tough competition from a Kuwaiti in the semifinals and from a Hong Kong athlete in the final in Guangzhou.

Ali Amar of Iraq celebrates after winning a gold medal in the individual epee - category B at the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, Dec 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Amar appreciates the support he receives from the Iraqi government, which allocates a budget to the national paralympic committee, which, in turn, funds his training.

He uses a weapon made in Germany and receives a monthly salary as a professional athlete.

Rasool, 23, who won silver at the Beijing Para Olympics in 2008, dedicated his victory in Guangzhou to his deceased brother, who encouraged him to take up lifting and supported him both financially and spiritually.

Thirty-eight-year-old Saadi Mahdi, who used to serve in the air force, and was also wounded during a war, started his training in 1993 and has since won numerous medals at world championships.

He has also won medals in croquet and swimming.

He said playing sports had a great effect on him; freeing him from isolation and helping him to integrate with the community.

All three gold medalists gave "perfect" marks to the organization of the Guangzhou Games.

The Chinese people, they said, were kind and helpful and ready to do anything, and many have become their friends.

China Daily