The General Authority of Sports and the UAE Muaythai & Kickboxing Federation plan to develop talents in preparation for upcoming events

19/06/2022

H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports (GAS), visited the UAE Muaythai & Kickboxing Federation headquarters in Abu Dhabi to review the federation’s plans and their recent achievements. He discussed the requirements for the upcoming years, considering the recent achievements in the Muaythai sport, and to continue developing talents and enhance the performance of national teams to achieve the highest accolades in continental as well as international championships.

HE Mr. Yousif Al-Sarkal, Chairman of the General Authority for Sports, thanked the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highness Rulers of the UAE, and the Prime Ministers Council on the mandate to chair the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Sport, pointing out that the national responsibility entrusted to him, is a supreme authorization, before it being an honorable one, where the work will be to achieve the aspirations of the leadership in the UAE sport is the framework within which he will strive, It will serve as a consistent strategy for the Authority, in cooperation with all the federations, bodies and parties in the sports arena.

The President of the General Authority for Sport stressed that the next stage requires more work and giving, focusing on enhancing the positives available to the UAE sport, seeking to raise the flag of the country high in various forums, with sound scientific planning for all games and sports, and work to overcome all challenges and obstacles with determination and high national spirit.

He also praised the great role played by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, former President of the General Authority of Sport, in recent years, in supporting the sport movement and accomplishing more achievements, noting that the Authority will move forward from solid ground and positive progressive phase of work, reached by the good management of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, explaining that the next phase will see the start from the end where he finished, to complete the march and achieve ambitions that delight the UAE sport street.

His Excellency the President of the General Authority for Sports, stressed the importance of joining together behind one goal, which is the need to work in order to reach the crowning podiums, in line with the vision of Sheikhs and the leadership, always supportive of sports and athletes, and promote the concept of "Number 1" in the UAE sport in general

HE Yousif Al-Sarkal explained that the UAE sport really needs its children and its associates, to be placed in a position its worthy of, a high status, which requires continuation of work from athletes, administrators, clubs and federations, to achieve this national goal. He concluded by stressing that the Authority will be supportive of all initiatives, ideas and plans. In order to raise the flag of the UAE high and achieve achievements in various international, continental and regional forums, hoping that God will enable him to be at the discretion of the wise leadership, to work with dedication and sincerity to achieve the sports achievements for UAE.

During his visit, Sheikh Suhail met Tariq Al Muhairi, Board Member and Executive Director of the UAE Kickboxing and Muaythai Federation and discussed the federation’s work since its inception in May 2017 with H.E. Abdullah Al Neyadi as the president. They talked about the recent sports achievements by the youth team at the IFMA Muaythai World Championships, and administrative achievements with Al Neyadi being elected as the president of the Federation of Asian Muaythai Associations. Another milestone achieved was the decision to move the federation’s headquarters to Abu Dhabi at the beginning of next season.

Sheikh Suhail said: “The federation has successfully achieved outstanding accolades within a record period. They have established a global presence for the UAE in Muaythai. This reflects the federation’s commitment to support the vision of the wise leadership and the objectives of the General Authority of Sports. We aim to focus on the achievements related to the continued development of national teams.”

H.E. added: “The youth team’s achievement at the IFMA Muaythai World Championships is the best example of the UAE’s leadership in Muaythai and the outstanding capabilities of our talented youth. We will continue to work and collaborate to further invest in the youth and develop methods to explore athletic talents in all federations and contribute to building a brighter future for sports in the UAE.”

His Excellency also emphasized that the development of the youth team can help build a strong first team for the UAE composed of successful athletes, which will help establish the nation’s presence and chances of achievements in more international events.

Meanwhile, Al Mehairi highlighted the federation’s efforts to position the UAE’s as a global capital for sports, with the support and guidance of the wise leadership. He stated: “The federation’s current plans and programs aims to provide best preparations for participation in several upcoming continental and international championships, the most important being the 2022 World Games which will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from July 7 to July 17, 2022. Four athletes from our country will participate in the championship as part of the National Olympic Committee delegation.”

UAE recently achieved a milestone with Abu Dhabi hosting the Under-23 IFMA Muaythai World Championships from May 26 until June 4 this year. Out of eight fighters of the UAE's youth team Ymad Atrous, Mohammed Mardi, Mohamed Touizi and Miryam Chalghomi won gold medals and Bilal Ibrahim, Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Zineb Bouhmada and Salama Aljneibi bagged silver. Debuting athlete Zineb Bouhmada grabbed the limelight with a powerful performance in the 60kg category.