Athlete Maryam Al Dhanhani is the first GCC woman to compete in Paralympic judo - in pictures
Judoka Maryam Al Dhanhani from the UAE is the first GCC woman to compete in judo in the Paralympics. She is visually impaired and is part of a 13-strong UAE squad in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Emirati Paralympic judo athlete Maryam Al Dhanhani in training. The one difference in para judo from the sighted sport is that athletes must grip the opponent’s judogi, or uniform, from the start of the match and throughout the bout. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Maryam Al Dhanhani with a teammate in Tokyo last year poses under a photographer of Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Emirati Maryam Al Dhanhani is the first UAE female athlete to represent the country at the Paralympics after collecting ranking points from international competitions. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Maryam Al Dhanhani competes in Tokyo last year and places fifth during her debut year in judo. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Maryam Al Dhanhani with her sister, brother and coach in Finland in July last year. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Maryam Al Dhanhani in a Para judo competition in Georgia in May, the most recent championship before the Paris Paralympics. Photo: Mouh Al Mouh
Maryam Al Dhanhani makes a point during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. She is keen that people in the UAE watch her compete and are inspired to take up sport to change their lives. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Maryam Al Dhanhani, flanked by her UAE team mates: shot putters Thekra Al Kaabi and Mohammed Al Kaabi; shooter Saif Al Nuaimi; and shot putter Noura Al Ketby, both seated. Chris Whiteoak/ The National
