Maryam Al Zeyoudi celebrates with members of the UAE team after winning gold in the Women's Shot Put F40 category at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in Japan.

Maryam Al Zeyoudi, a standout athlete from the UAE's national Paralympic track and field team, clinched the gold medal in the Women's Shot Put F40 category at the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships in Japan.

Her stellar performance in Saturday’s finals secured her the top spot on the podium.

Maryam’s victory not only earned her the prestigious gold medal but also secured her a direct qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, ensuring an additional spot for the UAE's Paralympic contingent.

In a thrilling competition, Maryam’s best throw reached an impressive distance of 8.49 metres, achieved on her best attempt out of six.

Mohammed Fadel Al-Hameli, President of the National Paralympic Committee, congratulated national team athlete Mariam on securing the second gold medal for the UAE in the World Athletics Championships.

He expressed his immense happiness with what Maryam has accomplished, praising her effort, determination, and the technical and physical skills that enabled her to compete against the best athletes from all continents.

He emphasized the importance of ending the championship by ascending the podiums after the fantastic start, which was marked by the same achievement by UAE star Mohammed Al-Hammadi.

“UAE’s harvest of two gold medals during their participation in one of the world's top competitions is the result of great effort and work by the athletes, coaches, and administrators in the national Paralympic sports system," he added.

“It is also the result of the unlimited support from the wise leadership of the country, to whom these significant achievements are dedicated.”

He hopes to achieve more in the upcoming regional and international competitions, as the accomplishments in the World Athletics Championships serve as a strong incentive to achieve similar successes with the approaching Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The national athletics team is expected to return from Japan to the homeland early Monday morning, arriving at Dubai International Airport.