Promising Emirati students golfers debut at World School Golf Championship, win two silver medals and fourth-place finish
The delegation was headed by H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and President of the UAE School and University Sports Federation. The team comprised four players competing across two junior age categories, two in the Under-15 category and two in the Under 18-Category. The UAE's participation was aimed at reinforcing the presence of the UAE national teams in the international competitions and promoting golf as a key sport across the schools in the country, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation.
The Emirati players performed impressively in their debut appearance, with Alexander Dimitri winning a silver medal in the Under-15 category and Aasiya Saleem securing a silver medal in the Under-18 category. Their notable achievements contributed to the UAE team placing fourth overall among 16 participating countries from around the world, indicating the advancement of school golf in the UAE and the nation's unwavering commitment to nurturing young sporting talents.
H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum highlighted that this participation underscores a key milestone in the continuous efforts to support national talents, appreciating the remarkable performance of the Emirati team during the championship. The achievement is a testament to the high level of competitiveness and excellence that golf has attained across the nation. He said, 'At the Ministry of Sports, we remain committed to offering comprehensive support and a nurturing environment for the development of sports talents across all age groups, especially at the school level, which serves as a key foundation for recognising and cultivating future champions. These efforts are further strengthened through the close collaboration between the UAE School and University Sports Federation and relevant sports federations.'
He said: 'Fostering continuous participation in international competitions remains a central focus of our strategy to boost the UAE's presence on the global sports stage. In line with our commitment to this vision, we have specially designed programs to equip national teams with promising talents and prepare the next generation of Emirati athletes to thrive in major sporting events. Our approach reflects the vision of our wise leadership, which places great emphasise on empowering the youth and creating an environment that supports both academic and athletic excellence.'
This participation is part of the national broader efforts to advance school sports and offer competitive platforms for emerging athletes across a wide array of disciplines. In partnership with the UAE School and University Sports Federation, the Ministry aims to build a strong foundation of high-performing athletes, cultivate future Olympians, and enhance the country's achievements at regional and global levels.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Mid East Info
UAE's ADMA International Leads on Day Two of Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship in Al Ain Region - Middle East Business News and Information
The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025, organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM), continued on Saturday at ADNEC Centre Al Ain with another day of high-energy matches and standout performances. The UAE's ADMA International topped the medal table by the end of Day Two, marking a strong showing on home soil. Saturday featured strong participation from the amateur and youth divisions, with athletes from around the world delivering intense, technically refined performances. As of the end of the second day, Commando Group, also representing the UAE, sits in second place, while Kazakhstan's Samat Ramazanov Academy holds third. This initiative is held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). In attendance on the second day were Saeed Al Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management; and Dr Muhammad Fawzy, Vice President of the Egyptian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management (IVSM), said, 'We are extremely pleased with the turnout we witnessed today from both athletes and spectators. The passion for the sport was evident across all ages and levels, reflecting the growing impact of this championship on the global sporting calendar. We firmly believe that investing in the youth and amateur divisions is an investment in the future of grappling, and this event serves as an ideal platform to identify and develop emerging talent.' 'We are proud of the outstanding performance delivered by our Emirati clubs and academies today,who secured a significant number of medals and topped the championship standings. This achievement reflects the growth and rising popularity of grappling across the UAE,' Al Bahri added. Emirati Hamda Almutwa of ADMA International, and gold medallist in the Girls' Under-14 / 35kg division, said, 'I'm happy to be part of this championship. The level of competition is high, and the number of participants is impressive. We started preparing well in advance, and from the beginning,I was determined to win gold. I'd like to thank my mother for always supporting me, as well as my coaches and the academy management for everything they do for me.' Khushbakht Rasulov of Tajikistan, who won gold in the Men's / 35+ / Amateur / 85kg division, said, 'I'm a gold medallist, and it feels amazing. This is one of the best tournaments I've ever been part of. We travelled all the way from Tajikistan, and I really like it here in the Al Ain Region. It's my first time here and it's a wonderful place. The organisation has been brilliant. Thank you for putting together such a great tournament.' The championship continues tomorrow (Sunday) with its final day of competition, which will include the concluding playoff matches across the professional division and the awarding of medals and cash prizes to the winners.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Sports organises second ‘Customer Councils' session of 2025 to strengthen operational efficiency within private sector sports institutions
UAE, Thursday, July, 2025- The Ministry of Sports convened the second 'Customer Councils' session of 2025, as part of its commitment to strengthening partnerships with private sector sports organisations and national federations. In line with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision under the 'Forward Ecosystem' pillar, the session sought to advance the goals of the Zero Bureaucracy programme by improving the quality of sports services provided to customers, as well as streamlining sports licensing services. Held at the Oxygen Gym in Dubai, the second edition of the council was attended by specialised teams from the Ministry of Sports and over 30 representatives from the National Paralympic Committee, Dubai Sports Council, Sharjah Sports Council, and Fujairah Municipality, and various sports clubs, private sports centres and sports federations. The Ministry of Sports emphasized that the second Customer Councils of 2025 reflected the Ministry's aim to promote a customer-driven approach in service design. As a vital part of the long-term growth and development of the sporting ecosystem, we highly prioritise enhancing the private sector's contributions to the advancement of sporting activities. We believe that customers are best equipped to identify challenges and present ideas that elevate services. In line with this, we are committed to holding 'Customer Councils' as open and direct forums for creativity and innovation, placing the customer at the forefront of development processes. In an effort to streamline the process, the Ministry highlighted that the elimination of redundant documentation and requirements, which reduces the number of data fields needed to obtain services, as well as the use of state-of-the-art technologies in the Sportifai platform. It further reaffirmed that the Ministry's goal to deliver an integrated and smart experience that enhances customer satisfaction, elevates performance efficiency, and strengthens institutional governance frameworks in the national sports sector. Participants emphasised the significance of holding these councils on a regular basis, as they serve as an ideal practical platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, accelerating service improvements, encouraging innovation in the sports sector, and establishing an efficient and sustainable sports environment. They also commended the Ministry's commitment towards the initiative and its efforts to strengthen the sporting ecosystem. Following the session, specialised work teams within the Ministry reviewed and analysed the feedback and suggestions made by representatives of sports organisations to categorise these insights and pinpoint any possible gaps in service delivery. The 'Customer Councils' session represents the Ministry's proactive efforts to create a flexible, intelligent and integrated sports service system that is transparent and simple to navigate. They are governed in accordance with the authorised guidelines established by the 'Emirates Programme for Excellence in Government Services,' in an open, innovation-driven environment that focuses on shaping smart and integrated sports services.
CairoScene
27-07-2025
- CairoScene
Fatima AlAwadhi on Becoming the Youngest Emirati to Summit Elbrus
At just 17, Fatima Al Awadhi climbed Mount Elbrus and set a national record. We spoke to her about altitude sickness, school stress, and why Emirati girls belong outdoors and in leadership. On a quiet night by a campfire, surrounded by friends, 17-year-old Fatima Al Awadhi took out her phone and typed a question into Google: What records can I break? Earlier that day, one of her teachers had joked that she'd seen Fatima on Mount Everest. The remark, meant in jest, lodged itself somewhere more serious. "That's why I decided I wanted to climb the seven summits and be the youngest to do so.' Fatima shares with SceneTraveller, calm and matter-of-fact. Six months later, she stood at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Another six, and she was on Mount Elbrus—Europe's highest peak—planting the UAE flag in the snow at 5,642 metres above sea level, and breaking a national record in the process. 'I wanted to show young Emirati girls that we belong outdoors, in challenge, and in leadership.' It's not a rallying cry. But it lands with quiet conviction—as self-definition. Climbing the Seven Summits isn't just a mountaineering milestone—it's a global proving ground, a rarefied pursuit often dominated by older, male adventurers from colder climates, backed by well-funded expeditions. Fatima, however, is stitching her ambitions between A-level coursework and the usual teenage rites of passage. 'I went through my A-level exams right before Elbrus,' she says. 'I graduated about a week before I summited.' Her prep was improvised—light gym sessions and runs where possible. 'It was actually quite hard to prepare for it because I was too busy studying.' Despite the minimal training, she made it. But day one nearly ended it. 'I got altitude sickness,' she recalls. 'I think I overexerted myself during training and it made me question whether I belonged on the mountains.' She pauses, then adds: 'But I was back at it the next day.' The climb itself took three days. 'We spent the first two days training—learning how to use the ice axe, wearing crampons,' she explains. 'Then, around midnight on the second day, we started the summit push. We didn't reach the top until sunrise.' The biggest challenge wasn't the tools or the terrain—it was staying mentally present. 'It's hard when you're walking on snow for hours—it feels like it's never-ending. That's the biggest lesson I learned—to motivate myself without any external forces.' But that's not the only wisdom she carries. For aspiring mountaineers—or anyone staring down an intimidating goal—Fatima is practical: 'Don't wait. Just do your research, know your limits, and most importantly: stay safe.' Her next summit attempt is already in the works. But what excites her most now is tying her climbs to something greater. 'My goal is not only to climb mountains—I want to integrate community service into it. Whether it's for specific people or the environment, I want it to matter.' Fatima Al Awadhi isn't trying to be a symbol. But symbols don't always come from intention—they emerge from action. In a region where ambition, especially female ambition, is often packaged to fit a mold, Fatima is neither scripted nor ceremonial. She is focused. Methodical. Her voice steady. Her lessons earned. She still remembers the altitude sickness. The heavy water bottle she carried and never used. The too-small backpack that barely fit the essentials. Her only regret? 'I didn't take enough pictures.' But she'll take more—of summits, of snow, of whatever comes next.
