UAE Sports Minister hails impact of University Games
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, has expressed confidence that the recently concluded UAE University Games will 'provide a professional pathway for individuals with the aptitude and potential to compete and win championships' in ensuring a bright future for Emirati youth. The inaugural edition of the Games was held in the period November to April and ended amid plenty of fanfare and joyous celebrations after days of intense competition in seven sporting disciplines, featuring 1,822 students, male and female, from 28 universities across the UAE.Dr. Al Falasi said: 'The success of the inaugural University Games reflects our vision of advancing sports and tapping into the younger generation's potential to make sports an integral part of life in educational institutions.' A significant example of the lengths to which the sports ministry went through to organise the Games, along with the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC), was the fact that technology and artificial intelligence-enabled devices were used by players in the closing stages of the Games' various tournaments to track performance, as reported by Aletihad. These devices from two companies – PlayerMaker and Precision Football – along with other AI-based visual production services, gathered data which scouts and performance managers can utilise. Top companies were enlisted to fulfil this function.The eventful Games, Dr. Al Falasi said, 'demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting young athletes and enhancing the role of universities in fostering a passion for sports among students. We will continue working with various sports organisations in order to support young athletes and build on this event as a crucial base for advancing community sports in higher education institutions.' Dr. Al Falasi made an appearance during the semi-final rounds and is expected back at the awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, amid a festive atmosphere to celebrate the success of the first national championship.A medals ceremony on the final day at Al Jazira club in the emirate was graced by the presence of Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary-General of the UAE School and Higher Education Sports Federation. 'We congratulate the title-winning universities and thank all participating institutions for their sportsmanship, outstanding performance and cooperation with organisers,' he said.'These collective efforts strengthen our resolve to continually grow and improve the event. The inaugural edition of the University Games represents a significant milestone in advancing collegiate sports and discovering exceptional talent. Given the recent success, we hope to further expand participation in upcoming editions.'Referring to the use of technology, Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with clubs and federations in providing data and performance metrics of young athletes to the relevant sports bodies.This data, he noted, is essential for the athletes' integration into targeted development programmes aimed at boosting sports performance and community participation at university level. He also publicly acknowledged the student athletes for their enthusiasm and dedication.
The Games aim to identify national talent and help develop strategies as part of the Ministry's long-term plan. It was the largest showcase of talent in the country and stands as a key achievement stemming from the 'Future of Sports Retreat' organised by the Ministry late last year.
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