The United Arab Emirates is making waves in the world of sports as 14 exceptional athletes prepare to represent their nation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This diverse group of competitors showcases the UAE’s growing presence on the global athletic stage, spanning disciplines from swimming and cycling to judo and equestrian events. Their participation marks a significant milestone for the country’s sports development and highlights the dedication of UAE athletes to excel at the highest levels of competition.
These athletes embody the spirit of determination and excellence that the UAE aims to foster in its sporting community. With a strong contingent in judo and promising contenders in other fields, the team is poised to make their mark on Olympic podiums. The National Olympic Committee has worked closely with sports federations to ensure top-notch training and support for these athletes. As the UAE flag-bearer leads the delegation into the Olympic stadium, the nation will watch with pride, hoping to see its representatives achieve new heights and inspire the next generation of Emirati sports stars.
Breaking Barriers: UAE’s Female Olympians
The United Arab Emirates has made significant strides in empowering women and promoting their participation in sports, particularly in the Olympic Games. Since 2012, when Maitha Al Maktoum became the first Emirati woman to represent her country at the Olympics, the UAE has continued to break barriers and challenge traditional gender norms in sports.
First female cyclist
Safiya Al Sayegh has made history by becoming the first Emirati female cyclist to qualify for the Olympics. The 22-year-old secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of her compatriot Yousif Mirza. Al Sayegh, who rides for UAE Team ADQ, expressed her excitement on Instagram, saying, “Am I dreaming? I’m going to be an Olympian?!? And the very first Emirati female cyclist?!?” Her achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication, as she balanced her professional cycling career with her studies, recently completing her graduation in graphic designing from the University of Dubai.
Women in swimming
The UAE’s commitment to women’s participation in sports extends to swimming as well. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, the UAE sent two female swimmers, Nada Al Bedwawi and Kholoud Al Blooshi, to represent the nation. This marked a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to promote women’s involvement in aquatic sports.
Athletics representation
The UAE’s female representation in athletics has also been noteworthy. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, track and field athletes Alia Saeed Mohammed and Betlhem Desalegn proudly represented their country. Their participation showcased the UAE’s growing presence in diverse Olympic disciplines and highlighted the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent across various sports.
The UAE’s Women’s Sports Committee has played a crucial role in creating more opportunities for women to engage in sports, from grassroots initiatives to high-performance programs. As the country continues to support and empower its female athletes, the future looks bright for UAE women in sports, inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams and excel on the global stage.
The Power of Judo: UAE’s Strongest Team
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a formidable force in judo, with a strong team of athletes set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This marks the fifth consecutive participation of UAE judo in this global sporting event, reflecting the nation’s commitment to excellence in the sport.
Male judokas
The UAE’s male judo team boasts an impressive lineup of talented athletes across various weight categories. Narmandakh Bayanmunkh (66kg), Nugzari Tatalashvili (81kg), Aram Grigorian (90kg), Dzhafar Kostoev (100kg), and Magomedomar Magomedomarov (+100kg) are set to represent the nation in the men’s events.
Aram Grigorian has already showcased his skills, advancing to the quarterfinals in the under-90 kg category. He defeated Sweden’s Marcus Nyman, a bronze medalist from the Doha 2023 World Judo Championships, before falling to Japan’s Murau Sanchiro. Narmand Bayan, competing in the under 66 kg category, has displayed exceptional technique and agility, making him a strong contender for a medal.
Female judoka
Khorloodoi Bishrelt (52kg) stands as the lone female representative in the UAE judo team. She has already made her mark in the Olympics, dominating her first match against China’s Yeqing Zhu with a clean sweep victory of 10-0. Bishrelt’s performance has raised hopes for a potential medal in the women’s category.
Medal prospects
The UAE’s judo team has high aspirations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nasser Al Tamimi, the federation general secretary, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete for several medals. He stated, “We always aim high every time we participate in the Olympic Games, and that’s our target and vision.”
The UAE’s judo legacy includes a bronze medal won by Sergiu Toma in the 81kg division at the 2016 Rio Games. This achievement has set a precedent for the current team to strive for similar success. With the direct qualification of UAE judo champions through the International Judo Federation’s global ranking, the team’s potential for medal contention has significantly increased.
As the Olympic judo events unfold, all eyes will be on the UAE team, hoping to see them add to the nation’s medal tally and further cement their position as a rising power in the world of judo.
Riding High: Equestrian Hopes
The UAE’s equestrian team is poised to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, aiming for their first-ever medal in the sport. With a strong lineup and extensive preparation, the team has high hopes for success in both individual and team events.
Team composition
The UAE showjumping team consists of three talented riders: Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzooqi, and Ali Al Kirbi. Al Marri will partner with BBS McGregor, Al Marzooqi with Enjoy de la Mure, and Al Kirbi with Jarlin de Torres. William Funnell, a four-time Hickstead Derby-winner and European Championship team gold medallist for Britain, serves as the team’s trainer and chef d’equipe.
Individual and team events
The team has qualified for both individual and team competitions, marking their first Olympic appearance since the 2008 Beijing Games. The showjumping team events will take place on August 1 and 2, followed by the individual events on August 5 and 6. Omar Al Marzooqi, the youngest rider in the competition, has already shown great potential, finishing in the top 20 in the individual event at the Palace of Versailles.
Venue and schedule
The equestrian events will be held at the iconic Palace of Versailles. The UAE team will participate in the official opening ceremony on July 26 before returning to their training base in Dorking, England. The horses will arrive in Paris three days later, allowing for final preparations before the competitions begin.
The team’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by extensive training and competition. They have spent over two months in Europe, participating in 10 competitions across England, Italy, and the Czech Republic. This rigorous preparation, supported by Al Shira’aa Stables and the UAE Equestrian Federation, has been crucial in honing their skills for the Olympic stage.
With the backing of high-ranking officials and a strategic roadmap for success, the UAE equestrian team is ready to showcase their talent and compete against the world’s best riders in Paris.
The UAE’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics showcases the nation’s growing influence on the global sports stage. With a diverse team of 14 athletes competing across various disciplines, the UAE is poised to make its mark in judo, equestrian events, cycling, and more. This representation highlights the country’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in sports, especially in women’s participation.
As the Olympic flame burns bright in Paris, the UAE’s athletes stand ready to inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts back home. Their journey to the Games has an impact on the nation’s sporting landscape, sparking interest and encouraging more young people to pursue their athletic dreams. With high hopes for medal contention and the chance to create lasting memories, these Olympians are set to write a new chapter in the UAE’s sporting history, leaving a legacy that will shape the future of sports in the country for years to come.
