Latest news with #UAENationalOlympicCommittee
Gulf Today
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
NOC discusses Dakar Youth Olympic Games entry standards with federations
The Technical and Sports Affairs Department of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) held a joint coordination meeting on Thursday at the committee's headquarters in Dubai with representatives of relevant national sports federations. The meeting focused on preparations for participation in the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games – Dakar 2026, which will feature 2,700 athletes competing in 151 events across 25 sports. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, Director of the Technical and Sports Affairs Department at the NOC, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the participation requirements. These included eligibility and qualification standards approved by the International Olympic Committee and the respective International Federations, along with timelines, age-specific technical criteria, international licensing, and qualification frameworks. An open discussion followed, allowing federation representatives to raise questions and share observations. Key follow-up areas were identified to ensure optimal preparedness for this landmark Olympic event. The sports programme for Dakar 2026 comprises 25 disciplines: swimming, athletics, boxing, rugby, basketball (3x3), equestrian, judo, taekwondo, fencing, archery, table tennis, badminton, sailing, rowing, wrestling, beach handball, beach volleyball, and triathlon. During the meeting, participants discussed the detailed qualification criteria for each sport, with particular emphasis on the age requirement specifying that eligible athletes must be born between 2009 and 2010. Additional criteria were reviewed, such as the requirement for swimmers to appear in the World Aquatics rankings during the qualification window from February 1 2025 to May 1 2026. For badminton, athletes must have participated in at least one event sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation or be listed in the BWF Junior World Rankings prior to the final athlete registration deadline of September 25, 2026. The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, marking the first time an African nation hosts an Olympic event. Dakar 2026 is set to be a transformative milestone, fostering development in sport, society, culture, education, and the economy—offering young athletes new opportunities, inspiration, and confidence in the future. NOC attends International Athletes' Forum in Lausanne: The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), represented by its Athletes' Committee, participated in the 12th International Athletes' Forum (IAF), held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The delegation included Mohammed Al Nakhy and Aisha Jasem Al Ali, both members of the Athletes' Committee. The International Athletes' Forum is the world's largest gathering of athlete representatives, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission. The forum convened over 400 participants to address key issues affecting athletes, amplify their voices, and exchange ideas to strengthen the support provided by their respective athletes' commissions. The programme featured a series of plenary sessions and workshops through which participants explored the range of support available from the IOC, Olympic Solidarity, and Olympic partners worldwide. Several sessions were moderated by Allyson Felix, an IOC Athletes' Commission member and 11-time Olympic medallist, who led discussions with athletes benefiting from these support programmes. The forum also included updates on major upcoming Olympic Games, including Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, the French Alps 2030, and Brisbane 2032. Members of the IOC Athletes' Commission presented the latest developments for each edition, joined by representatives from Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028. Throughout the forum, participants engaged in parallel skill-building workshops covering topics such as anti-doping, mental health and well-being, prevention of match manipulation, social media strategies for athletes' commissions, sustainability, and effective commission governance.
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE's Hammadi elected president of Airsports Federation of Asia
The general assembly of the Airsports Federation of Asia unanimously elected the UAE's, Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, as the new president of the federation for the upcoming four-year term. This unanimous decision marks an unprecedented milestone in the history of air sports and reflects the immense trust and confidence that regional and international federations place in Emiratis. It is a clear confirmation of the UAE's pioneering role in air sports both regionally and globally. Members of the general assembly expressed their delight over Hammadi's election, reaffirming their full confidence in his ability to lead the federation with competence and dedication in the coming period. For his part, Hammadi dedicated this achievement to the wise leadership of the UAE, the UAE National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Sports. He expressed his ambition to live up to expectations and his commitment to being a strong ambassador for UAE sports across Asia. He also extended his deep thanks to the general assembly members for their trust, promising to work hard to activate the federation's activities and expand its reach across the continent. He emphasised that this trust would be a powerful motivator in realising the aspirations of the national member federations. The general assembly meeting was held at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai, with the participation of presidents and representatives from various national federations, including the UAE (represented by Mohamed Youssef Abdulrahman, Secretary-General of the Emirates Aerosports Federation), Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Laos. The meeting also witnessed the election of the new Executive Committee members of the Airsports Federation of Asia, who are: Andy Joe (Hong Kong and Vietnam), Joe Rao (Philippines), Arsy Nazo (Indonesia), Graham Hill (Australia), Noureddine Hakimi (Malaysia), Ahmed Al-Shallahi (Kuwait), Salem Said Al Jamoudi (Oman) and Hareth Tahseen (Iraq) Rao, the president of the Philippine Federation and the most senior delegate present, praised Hammadi's election, affirming that he fully deserves the role due to his outstanding leadership in organizing world-class championships hosted by the UAE in recent years. Shallahi also Hammadi, noting that his victory is a win for Kuwait and for air sports both continentally and internationally. Nazo stated that Al Hammadi combines experience, wisdom, and effective leadership skills—qualities that will strengthen the federation's position in the coming years. Said added: 'We congratulate the Emirates Aerosports Federation and congratulate ourselves on this unanimous decision, which reflects the UAE's leading status in this sport that is loved by youth around the world.'
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Second edition of UAE School Games concludes on successful note in Dubai
The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organised by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports federations and local educational authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; hanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports; Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation; along with several presidents of national sports federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the ceremony, Falasi honoured the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various competitions from among 2,686 finalists. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasised the crucial role that the UAE School Games Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: "It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports." He further emphasised that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within the academic space. He said: 'We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by 2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.' He expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena. The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis. The competition concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, honoring the top three performers in each sport. A total of 1,365 students received gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The UAE School Games welcomes participation from both public and private schools across the country. It is held in three stages. The first stage occurs within schools, where students engage in training and compete in various sports. The second stage takes place at the emirate level, where schools compete locally within their respective emirates. The final stage is when top-performing students from each emirate come together to compete for medals, ultimately determining the championship winners. Medal winners from the School Games Championship in selected sports are then invited to take part in athlete assessment and development programs organized by the Emirates Committee for Elite and High-Level Sports. These evaluations aim to assess the athlete's speed, strength, endurance, potential, and physical characteristics such as height and weight. Based on the results, athletes receive customized training and educational programs to support their development. The Committee, in collaboration with the relevant national sports federations, continually monitors each athlete's progress with the goal of preparing them to represent the UAE in international and Olympic competitions. The primary goal of the School Games is to discover and nurture sporting talent within UAE schools, creating skilled athletes through training and development programs led by the Ministry of Sports. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to strengthen national teams and play a key role in advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives.
Mid East Info
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
Second edition of UAE School Games concludes, honouring 1,365 male and female student winners across 12 sports categories
H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi: The UAE School Games are the cornerstone of our vision to discover promising athletic talents. Moreover, collaboration between the sports and education sectors is an essential pillar for achieving national sports goals. The UAE School Games Finale was held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai, attracting wide participation of students representing schools across the nation. 2,686 male and female students from 875 schools participated in the finale, within a distinctive sports atmosphere, further highlighting the resounding success of the tournament's second edition. The tournament is organised by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, as well as several leading sports federations and local educational authorities. The tournament primarily aims to discover athletically talented school students and prepare them through national development programs designed to strengthen sports teams and enhance the UAE's position in global sports platforms. The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports federations and local educational authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), H.E. Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; H.E. Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation.; along with several presidents of national sports federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the ceremony, H.E. Al Falasi honored the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various competitions from among 2,686 finalists. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized the crucial role that the UAE School Games Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: 'It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports.' His Excellency further emphasized that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within the academic space. He said: 'We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by 2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.' His Excellency expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena. The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis. The competition concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, honoring the top three performers in each sport. A total of 1,365 students received gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The UAE School Games welcomes participation from both public and private schools across the country. It is held in three stages. The first stage occurs within schools, where students engage in training and compete in various sports. The second stage takes place at the emirate level, where schools compete locally within their respective emirates. The final stage is when top-performing students from each emirate come together to compete for medals, ultimately determining the championship winners. Medal winners from the School Games Championship in selected sports are then invited to take part in athlete assessment and development programs organized by the Emirates Committee for Elite and High-Level Sports. These evaluations aim to assess the athlete's speed, strength, endurance, potential, and physical characteristics such as height and weight. Based on the results, athletes receive customized training and educational programs to support their development. The Committee, in collaboration with the relevant national sports federations, continually monitors each athlete's progress with the goal of preparing them to represent the UAE in international and Olympic competitions. The primary goal of the School Games is to discover and nurture sporting talent within UAE schools, creating skilled athletes through training and development programs led by the Ministry of Sports. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to strengthen national teams and play a key role in advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives.
Web Release
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Second edition of UAE School Games concludes, honouring 1,365 male and female student winners across 12 sports categories
The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports federations and local educational authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), H.E. Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; H.E. Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation.; along with several presidents of national sports federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the ceremony, H.E. Al Falasi honored the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various competitions from among 2,686 finalists. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized the crucial role that the UAE School Games Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: 'It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports.' His Excellency further emphasized that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within the academic space. He said: 'We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by 2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.' His Excellency expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena. The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis. The competition concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, honoring the top three performers in each sport. A total of 1,365 students received gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The UAE School Games welcomes participation from both public and private schools across the country. It is held in three stages. The first stage occurs within schools, where students engage in training and compete in various sports. The second stage takes place at the emirate level, where schools compete locally within their respective emirates. The final stage is when top-performing students from each emirate come together to compete for medals, ultimately determining the championship winners. Medal winners from the School Games Championship in selected sports are then invited to take part in athlete assessment and development programs organized by the Emirates Committee for Elite and High-Level Sports. These evaluations aim to assess the athlete's speed, strength, endurance, potential, and physical characteristics such as height and weight. Based on the results, athletes receive customized training and educational programs to support their development. The Committee, in collaboration with the relevant national sports federations, continually monitors each athlete's progress with the goal of preparing them to represent the UAE in international and Olympic competitions. The primary goal of the School Games is to discover and nurture sporting talent within UAE schools, creating skilled athletes through training and development programs led by the Ministry of Sports. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to strengthen national teams and play a key role in advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives.
