As part of our buildup to the Tokyo Olympics we will be profiling Arab athletes and para-athletes as well as those from the Mena region hoping to make it to this summer's Games
At 51, the fire still burns bright inside Mohammed Khamis Khalaf.
The Emirati powerlifter is preparing for his sixth Paralympic Games in Tokyo this summer after the 2020 event was postponed by a year following the outbreak of Covid-19.
Khalaf made his Paralympic debut at Sydney 2000 where he narrowly missed out on the medal round.
He finished fourth Down Under and that performance gave him the confidence to go forward and strike gold in Athens four years, making him the first Emirati Paralympian to achieve that feat.
At Beijing 2008, Khalaf suffered an elbow injury but battled through to return with a bronze. However, the damage worsened and required surgery. The time he took to recover - coupled with another injury to his right shoulder - put paid to his chances at London 2012.
Khalaf then bounced back to bag his second Paralympic Games gold at Rio 2016. Now he has his sights firmly set on a third Paralympic gold at Tokyo.
"I was preparing well and ready for Tokyo when the pandemic came," Khalaf told The National during a training session at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
“We had to start all over again but I believe everyone preparing for the Games had to face the same problems as me. We all have to accept the decision to postpone the event because of the severity of the situation.
“The pandemic was something that we never expected. The situation is still not very clear but we are hopeful the Paralympic Games will take place as per the new schedule, and with that hope we are continuing to prepare.”
The postponement of the Paralympic Games by a year hasn’t altered Khalaf’s training schedule. His participation in buildup events is less clear because of the ongoing travel restrictions brought on by Covid.
“The plan was to participate in four international competitions abroad and the final one in Dubai, the Fazza Championship, but there are some uncertainties because of the prevailing Covid-19 situation,” Khalaf said.
“We are waiting for our federation to confirm the competitions we are going to participate in. So fingers crossed on that.
“My preparation for Tokyo is going well and I know what is required, now that I’m heading for my sixth Paralympics. I had a little break when it was postponed but now we have a good schedule to follow and I’m confident to be at my best in time of the Games.”
Khalaf has more than two decades of experience in top-flight competitions, which is almost as long as his partnership with his Moroccan coach Titou Kacem, whom he first met in 1993 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
“Khalaf was very active person taking part in several sports including shot putt and wheelchair racing when I first met him,” Kacem said.
“He was good at powerlifting and I suggested he concentrate on it to prepare for competitions.”
Khalaf’s first big competition was the World Powerlifting Championship in Dubai in 1998. He finished ninth from a field of 24, which he said was the turning point for him.
Thereafter Khalaf celebrated his first gold at an International Championships in New Zealand in the 185.7kg category to qualify for Sydney 2000.
“The first international competition in Dubai made me believe in myself that I can compete against the best in the world,” Khalaf, who suffered leg paralysis caused by polio when he was a child, said.
“At first, I was nervous when I saw those whom I was competing against in Dubai. I never thought I would finish ninth.
“And then Sydney motivated me to work harder to aim for a medal. To achieve that was a huge moment because it came after Sheikh Ahmed Hasher had won the UAE’s first Olympic gold in shooting at Athens.”
In the lead-up to Athens, Khalaf won tournaments in Spain and Belgium and followed it up with a third gold at the International Championship in Cardiff in 2001.
He then won gold in his first appearance at the Gulf Championship in 2003 before going on to create history in Athens.
Kacem described Khalaf as a physically and mentally strong individual with a remarkable work ethic.
“Age is only a number for Khalaf,” he said. “He remains as fiercely competitive as when he first started. His work, discipline and commitment all through has been outstanding.
“Actually, he has a big heart. He never says he is tired. He always completes the tasks given to him and that’s the success we can see in him. He is willing to do extra work. He can go on until I tell him that’s enough.”
Khalaf is employed at the Dubai Courts but is given time-off for his training and backed by the UAE Paralympic Sports Federation.
The receptions hosted by both Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, whenever he returns with a medal is the best motivation for Khalaf.
“What more can you expect when our leaders receive us and commend our achievements in person,” Khalaf asked.
“Our federation doesn’t push us to deliver at every competition but encourage all of us to participate and to do our best. There is absolutely no pressure for us to win a medal at every competition.
“I have got many things in life through sports and I owe all that to our country’s leaders, the federation and of course Titou, who has been more like a brother and mentor to me than a coach.”
Khalaf’s employer gave him paid leave for 2020 and has extended it until the Paralympics in Tokyo, slated for August 4-September 5.
According to Kacem, the usual training routine is five times a week but intensifies when they are close to a competition to twice a day and six days a week. They also hold internal and external camps.
Khalaf and Kacem, 53, have become best of friends over the years and the coach said they have never had a spat since their first meeting.
“I arrived in the UAE in 1991 and did various coaching and physical training assignments for the Dubai Police,” Kacem said.
“I did some part time work at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. That’s when I met Khalaf. We have got on well from day one.
“I saw the potential in Khalaf from the time we started training. The rest is history, as they say.”
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
MATCH INFO
What: Brazil v South Korea
When: Tonight, 5.30pm
Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
Stage 4
1. Dylan Groenewegen (NED) Jumbo-Visma 04:16:13
2. Gaviria (COL) UAE Team Emirates
3. Pascal Ackermann (GER) Bora-Hansgrohe
4. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal
General Classification:
1. Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 16:46:15
2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:07
3. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana Pro Team 0:01:35
4. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:01:40
5. Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe
Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
Hoopoe
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2
(Martial 30', McTominay 90 6')
Manchester City 0
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League last 16, first leg
Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight, Wednesday, BeIN Sports
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Switch%20Foods%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Edward%20Hamod%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Plant-based%20meat%20production%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2034%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%246.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20round%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Based%20in%20US%20and%20across%20Middle%20East%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Bundesliga fixtures
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
RESULTS
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Lady Snazz, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Rich And Famous, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Rio Angie, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB) Dh 92,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Kinver Edge, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
