Amman – May 13, 2025
The Jordanian Paralympic powerlifting team delivered a stellar performance at the World Para Powerlifting Championships, held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from May 10 to 12, securing an impressive four gold medals and one silver out of five total entries—an achievement that reaffirms Jordan’s growing dominance and excellence on the international stage.
The spotlight shone brightly on rising stars Mohammad Al-Obaidi and Asmaa Issa, each of whom claimed gold in their respective categories in their first-ever international appearance. Al-Obaidi lifted 170 kg, outpacing his closest rival from France (166 kg), while Issa impressed with a commanding performance that demonstrated her high potential for future international competitions.
Veteran athletes Omar Qarada and Abdul Kareem Khattab further cemented their legacy by winning gold medals in their respective weight classes. Qarada lifted 165 kg, outperforming ten of the world’s top competitors. Meanwhile, Jameel Shibli earned a hard-fought silver medal, completing a podium sweep for Jordan’s elite team.
President of the Jordan Paralympic Committee, Prof. Dr. Omar Hindawi, praised the historic achievement, stating:
“We are proud of our national team both the promising newcomers like Al-Obaidi and Issa, and the experienced champions who continue to deliver at the highest level. These results are not a surprise; they are the result of strategic planning, dedication, and hard work by everyone involved.”
Dr. Hindawi also emphasized the significance of this championship in the global ranking pathway, highlighting its role as a key preparatory milestone ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Egypt, scheduled for October.
The Jordanian delegation was led by Mr. Moataz Al-Junaidi, and included a distinguished lineup of national team athletes:
Mohammad Al-Obaidi, Omar Qarada, Jameel Shibli, Asmaa Issa, and Abdul Kareem Khattab, under the supervision of head coach Issa Hilal and assistant coach Ahmad Abu Al-Rubb. The delegation also included physiotherapist Mohammad Al-Dabbas and team administrator Raghad Rajha.
Despite comprising only five athletes, the team proved that quality outweighs quantity, showcasing remarkable determination and resilience in one of the world’s most competitive arenas—raising Jordan’s flag high with pride and strength.
