A new star has emerged in Ghanaian para-athletics as teenager Hayford Addai secured a podium finish at the 2026 Dubai World Para Athletics (WPA) Grand Prix.
In what was his first ever international championship appearance, the Konongo Senior High School student took the bronze medal in the men’s T47 400 metres.
Addai’s performance has sent ripples through the sport, coming just six days after he received his formal international classification on 6 February 2026.
Competing against a seasoned global field, Addai showed no signs of nerves. He clocked a personal best of 52.42 seconds to secure third place, proving he can hold his own against the world’s elite.
The result is a significant milestone for the young sprinter, who had to balance his academic commitments with the rigorous training required for the global stage.
While the 400m bronze is a career-defining moment, Addai is far from finished. He is now shifting his focus to his preferred event: the 100 metres.
This upcoming sprint is more than just a race; it serves as a crucial qualifying event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With the momentum of a Dubai medal behind him, Addai is widely tipped to meet the qualification standards.
“I am very grateful to NPC Ghana and the Ghana Olympic Committee for their support and for believing in me,” Addai said following the race. “This achievement is just the beginning.”
The success of Addai highlights a strengthening partnership between the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana and the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC).
Officials hope this bronze medal acts as a catalyst for more investment in the country’s para-sporting infrastructure.
The young athlete from Ghana finished the Men’s T47 400m in a remarkable time of 52.42 seconds to secure his place on the podium.
As Addai prepares for the blocks in the 100m, the Ghanaian sporting community, and the people of Konongo, will be watching closely to see if their new hero can secure a spot for the Commonwealth Games.
Source: Ekow Segu
