Four Algerian para-powerlifters heading to World Cup
Coach Mohamed Salaheddine Benatta has confirmed that four Algerian athletes are preparing for the World Cup, which takes place on August 15th, 16th, and 17th in Santiago, Chile. The team includes four athletes, one of whom is female, as reported by AL24 News on 14th August.
The team is comprised of Chems Eddine Boudra, Hocine Bettir, Radhouane Sedjerari, and Sabrina Moussaoui.
This World Cup is part of the 2025-28 para-powerlifting season, which is important in the journey to qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, as athletes must gain points to be eligible.
The Santiago World Cup is the third competition of the season and will be a big test for the Algerian team before the World Championships in Cairo next October.
In total, 114 athletes from 16 countries will be taking part, two of whom are African Paralympic Champions.
There are three non-American countries in attendance, with Algeria and Nigeria representing Africa and Georgia representing Europe.
Nigeria is sending ten competitors, including some who medalled at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, such as Onyinyechi Mark, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, and Esther Oyema.
Algeria is counting particularly on Hocine Bettir, the only Algerian medallist from the Paris 2024 Paralympics. He won bronze in the -65kg category, a repeat of his excellent performance in the Tokyo 2020 games.
According to the schedule from the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA), Algerian athletes will start competing on August 15th, in a competition that will enable them to gain valuable experience before future tests of their strength.
Chems Eddine Boudra will be up against four other competitors in the -49 category, whilst Hocine Bettir and Radhouane Sedjerari will face seven opponents in the 65kg category. Sabrina Moussaoui will compete against six others in the -45kg category.
AL24 News, Maghrebi
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