Paralympic Games: Algerian champions pleased to have honoured national flag in Paris

ALGIERS-The Algerian champions, medallists at the 17^th Paralympic Games (Paris 2024), said on Tuesday, in Algiers, they are very pleased to have achieved their ambitions and honoured the national flag, after winning six gold medals and five bronze, placing Algeria at the top of the ranking of Arab and African countries.

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Welcomed at the VIP lounge of "Houari Boumediene" International Airport by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrahmane Hammad, and the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, Kaouter Krikou, the medallists unanimously emphasized the importance of having raised the national flag high in Paris, praising the support of the State as well as the encouragement of the Algerian community in France.

“I'm grateful to God for allowing me to make even a small contribution to my country and accomplish what I couldn't do in Tokyo, by winning two consecutive gold medals,” said Djamil Skander Athmani, who clinched gold in both 100m and 400m (T13) events. "I'm extremely satisfied with this outcome, which isn't just my achievement, but that of the entire team who have supported me throughout this competition," he said.

Safia Djelal who won a gold medal in shot put and broke her Paralympic record, mentioned the difficulties encountered during this major sporting event, assuring that she “could have made a better record.”

The Paralympic judo champion, Abdelkader Bouamer (-60 kg, J1), underscored the support he received from the Algerian community in France, despite facing an Iranian opponent who was favoured to win the gold.

The Paralympic champion in discus throw (F57), Nassima Saifi said: “the feeling is beyond words, especially that the Games were held in Paris. We went there determined to bring back medals and fly our national flag as high as possible, and we succeeded. It's incredible that our national anthem was played six times in France. It's just amazing.”

The head of the Algerian delegation participating in Paris and president of the Algerian Paralympic Federation (FAH), Sid Ahmed Elasri assured that “all favourable conditions were brought together for the athletes so that they could give their all. It is not easy to collect six (6) medals, I congratulate all the athletes and their coaches who sacrificed everything to raise the Algerian flag in Paris.”

The five bronze medals were clinched by Nassima Saifi (shot put/F57), Ahmed Mehideb (Club/F32), Lynda Hamri (long jump/F12), Ouldkouider Ishak (para-judo: -60kg/J2) and Hocine Bettir (para-powerlifting): 65kg.[/ecr]