CAIRO – The 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships concluded in the New Administrative Capital with a resounding triumph — the first edition ever held on African soil. Over ten days of fierce competition and extraordinary displays of strength and determination, Egypt not only delivered world-class organisation but also clinched a stunning 20 medals, earning international acclaim both on and off the platform.
Golden moments
The Egyptian team — the largest in its history with 54 athletes — turned the championship into a national celebration of strength and resilience.
In total, the hosts captured seven senior medals (two gold, one silver, and four bronze) and 13 medals in the junior events, securing third place overall behind China and Nigeria, bringing the nation’s total haul to 20.
Gold medals came from Mohamed El-Menyawi (59kg) and Rehab Radwan (61kg), while Paralympic star Hany Abdelhadi lifted his way to silver in the 97kg class. Fatma Mahrous (67kg) and Mohamed Sobhy (88kg) added bronze, before Egypt’s women’s and mixed teams delivered two more bronzes to cap an inspiring campaign.
In the junior competitions, Egypt’s next generation impressed with three gold, eight silver, and two bronze medals. Standouts included Mohamed Abdelmagid, Abdelrahman El-Desouki, and Habiba Ahmed, who each topped their respective weight categories.
Global applause
The success extended far beyond the medals. With 655 athletes from 72 countries, the event was hailed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and participating delegations as a model of precision and inclusivity.
The championship highlighted Egypt’s capability to host major international events with outstanding efficiency. Delegations commended the smooth logistics, accessibility for over 350 wheelchair users, and the use of eco-friendly transport that met “green championship” standards.
The International Paralympic Committee also praised Egypt’s flawless organisation and warm hospitality, describing it as one of the best-run events in para powerlifting history.
A grand finish
The championship wrapped up with a vibrant closing ceremony featuring cultural performances and a parade of nations. The event concluded with the official handover of the flag to Bahrain — host of the next edition — in the presence of minister Sobhy, Egyptian Paralympic Committee President Hossam El-Din Mostafa, and Bahraini Paralympic Committee Chairman Mohamed bin Duaij Al-Khalifa.
For his part, Sobhy hailed Egypt’s impressive showing, commending both the flawless organisation and the standout performances of the athletes.
He said the event’s smooth organisation in the New Administrative Capital — the first time the championship has been staged in Africa — reflects Egypt’s growing capability to host major global sporting events under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The top official commended the athletes for their determination and medal-winning performances that lifted Egypt’s name on the international stage, and extended his congratulations to the Egyptian Paralympic Committee and all organisers who contributed to the success.
The minister reaffirmed his ministry’s full support for Paralympic athletes as they prepare for future competitions, including the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Bahrain’s Al-Khalifa praised Egypt’s professionalism and hospitality, promising that Bahrain would “build on the Egyptian success.”
For his part, Hossam El-Din Mostafa expressed his pride in the national achievement. “This success crowns the efforts of the Egyptian state to support people of determination,” he said.
Champions speak out
Bronze medallist Fatma Mahrous described her home-soil triumph as a dream come true. “Competing in Egypt was an honour, but also a huge responsibility. The level was very tough,” she said, noting that this edition served as the first qualifying stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Gold medallist Nadia Fikry expressed similar joy, dedicating her win to her family. “Breaking my personal record by two kilogrammes made this even more special,” she said.
As the lights dimmed in the New Administrative Capital, the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships will be remembered as a landmark event for African sport — a celebration of strength, inclusion, and excellence.
