03:22Paris
While speaking during an exclusive interview in Paris on Sunday, Paralympic shooter Ayesha Al Mehairi said she felt 'proud' after making history in 2020 when she became the first Emirati female to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
"My country has paved the way for me to reach this level; without the state's encouragement, we would not have succeeded. The capabilities provided, encouragement, and support make us proud as UAE nationals," she said.
Mehairi transitioned from Boccia to shooting in 2019 and soon found success at various international tournaments.
"I clinched medals," she said. "My first participation was in the 2022 World Shooting Para Sport Championships, then I took part in the Peru World Championships and succeeded in Paralympics in Tokyo 2020."
The athlete said she has high hopes for the upcoming Paralympic Games on Wednesday.
"I accept whatever God grants me. But as it is my second participation since I started the game so far, about three years ago, I set myself the goal of being among the top eight finishers; if I succeed, I will be thankful," she said.
The Paralympics is the world's largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities and will take place in Paris from August 28 until September 8.
'I felt proud!' - Shooter Ayesha Al Mehairi on becoming first Emirati woman to compete at Paralympics
While speaking during an exclusive interview in Paris on Sunday, Paralympic shooter Ayesha Al Mehairi said she felt 'proud' after making history in 2020 when she became the first Emirati female to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
"My country has paved the way for me to reach this level; without the state's encouragement, we would not have succeeded. The capabilities provided, encouragement, and support make us proud as UAE nationals," she said.
Mehairi transitioned from Boccia to shooting in 2019 and soon found success at various international tournaments.
"I clinched medals," she said. "My first participation was in the 2022 World Shooting Para Sport Championships, then I took part in the Peru World Championships and succeeded in Paralympics in Tokyo 2020."
The athlete said she has high hopes for the upcoming Paralympic Games on Wednesday.
"I accept whatever God grants me. But as it is my second participation since I started the game so far, about three years ago, I set myself the goal of being among the top eight finishers; if I succeed, I will be thankful," she said.
The Paralympics is the world's largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities and will take place in Paris from August 28 until September 8.
Paris
While speaking during an exclusive interview in Paris on Sunday, Paralympic shooter Ayesha Al Mehairi said she felt 'proud' after making history in 2020 when she became the first Emirati female to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
"My country has paved the way for me to reach this level; without the state's encouragement, we would not have succeeded. The capabilities provided, encouragement, and support make us proud as UAE nationals," she said.
Mehairi transitioned from Boccia to shooting in 2019 and soon found success at various international tournaments.
"I clinched medals," she said. "My first participation was in the 2022 World Shooting Para Sport Championships, then I took part in the Peru World Championships and succeeded in Paralympics in Tokyo 2020."
The athlete said she has high hopes for the upcoming Paralympic Games on Wednesday.
"I accept whatever God grants me. But as it is my second participation since I started the game so far, about three years ago, I set myself the goal of being among the top eight finishers; if I succeed, I will be thankful," she said.
The Paralympics is the world's largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities and will take place in Paris from August 28 until September 8.