Mbaziira poised to make Paralympics history

With just three months to the Paralympic Games in August in Paris, France, Denis Mbaziira stands on the brink of history as he aims to become the first para powerlifter to represent Uganda at the Paralympic Games.

At 38 years, Mbaziira will depart on May 7 for Pattaya, Thailand, to participate in the 2024 World Para Powerlifting World Cup. This event serves as Mbaziira's final opportunity to qualify for the Paralympic Games.

"Due to financial constraints, this will be my last qualification event. However, there are still two more events on the Paralympic calendar to close the qualification window. One in Mexico and the last one in the USA," Mbaziira explained.

The qualification window for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games is set to close on June 25.

In his quest to reach Paris, Mbaziira, competing in the 88kg category, has enhanced his lift from 182kg to 195kg. Despite his hopes resting on the universality quarter (wild card), Mbaziira is determined to solidify his lift.

Training at ISK Gym and Fitness Center in Ndeeba, Mbaziira remains optimistic about his chances. "With just days left to travel, I must ensure that I either maintain or improve the weight I lift. The goal is to secure a spot within the world's top 20 if I am to qualify for the Paralympic Games," he emphasized.

Currently ranked 13th in the world and third in Africa, Mbaziira needs to break into the top eight globally for a standard entry.

Joining Mbaziira at the 2024 World Para Powerlifting World Cup are other Ugandan athletes, Nigo Muhamed and Swafalu Tamale.

 Both competing in the 80kg category Tamale is ranked eighteenth in the world, while Nigo holds the twentieth spot.

"I have put in all the necessary effort to ensure I deliver an impressive performance in Thailand. My goal is to enhance my weight, and with the guidance of my coach, I am confident I will perform well," Tamale expressed.

The World Para Powerlifting World Cup is set to take place in Pattaya, Thailand, from May 8 to 11 May.