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

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.

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.