Zinabu Issah, Ghana’s prominent para-athlete competing in the F57 classification for seated throws, has achieved a landmark victory by claiming silver in the Women’s Discus Throw at the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, held from February 10 to 13 at the Dubai Police Officers Club Stadium.
Her best throw of 29.2 meters secured Ghana’s inaugural medal at this prestigious early-season international event, which serves as a key competition in the World Para Athletics calendar and often doubles as a qualifier or preparation platform for major championships like the Commonwealth Games or future Paralympics.
The Grand Prix, officially known as the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championships, attracted 398 athletes from 46 nations, featuring a strong field of para-athletes including reigning Paralympic champions and world record holders.
The Women’s Discus Throw F57 final took place on February 10, with Issah delivering a consistent and competitive performance to finish second overall. While full podium details beyond her silver are not widely detailed in initial reports, her 29.2m mark stands as a solid effort in a discipline where she has shown steady progress.
This success builds on Issah’s established career trajectory. She represented Ghana at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she advanced to the Women’s Discus Throw F57 final and also competed in qualification rounds for related events.
In 2025, she earned accolades including the SWAG Best Para Athlete of the Year award in Ghana after securing gold and silver medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Morocco, excelling in both discus and shot put.
Her journey to Dubai was part of a broader Ghanaian contingent supported by the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana) and the Ghana Olympic Committee, with Issah traveling alongside athletes like Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe (T54 wheelchair racing) and Hayford Addai (T47 sprints and jumps), under coach Emmanuel Anum Sowah.
The group departed Ghana in early February specifically to compete at this event, aiming to gain valuable international exposure and potentially secure qualification points for upcoming major competitions such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Issah’s silver in Dubai not only marks a historic first for Ghana at a World Para Athletics Grand Prix but also highlights her resilience and rising status among global F57 throwers.
It brings national pride and serves as strong motivation for her ongoing preparations toward future goals, including stronger showings at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. This achievement underscores the growing momentum in Ghanaian para-athletics and the impact of targeted support for athletes with disabilities on the world stage.