Iraq’s Mohsin Rasool extended his amazing run of form in Dubai, clinching the gold medal in the first event of the 13th Fazza Dubai 2024 World Para Powerlifting World Cup here on Thursday.
Rasool, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist, lifted 233 kg in his final attempt to win the top prize in men’s up to 80kg. The Iraq player’s gold medal was special for him as it has boosted his confidence and ranking in the qualification pathway to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The 2010 Asian Para games champion finished ahead of China’s Gu Xiaofei (229 kg), the two-time World Champion, and Great Britain’s Harding Matthew (192kg).
“I came here to win the gold medal and help my chances of getting the Paralympics ticket. Last time at the World Championships, I settled for the bronze medal in individual event. I also go the bronze in Asian Para Games despite lifting 235kg,” said Rasool who lifted his team to gold in the Team Event during the Dubai 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships.
“I love to challenge myself, challenge the impossible. And I will be aiming for a world record in Paris,” he said.

Lingling sets new world record
Rasool’s golden show was followed by China’s Guo Lingling who bettered her own world record by one kilo with a lift of 121kg in the women’s up to 45kg.
“I am very happy to be back in Dubai and get another record here. I hope I can do the same in Paris 2024,” said Lingling who also hold the world record at 123kg in women’s – 41kg.
The Chinese star finished way ahead of Turkey’s Nazmiye Muratli and Great Britain’s Zoe Newson, both of whom finished with 102kg.
The day saw China getting another gold when Lingling’s compatriot Cui Zhe, the two-time World and Asian Para Games champion, claimed the gold medal in women’s -41kg event.
Zhe had three clear lifts with her final attempt of 115kg enough to take the gold medal. Brazil’s junior world champion De Lima Lara Aparecida settled for the silver with 100kg ahead of Ukraine’s Maryna Kopiika (93kg).