Category: Athletic

DUBAI, The Dubai Racing Club announced that its seventh race meeting at the Meydan Racecourse on 1st January, 2022 will be dedicated to celebrate the #DubaiDestinations initiative that was launched recently to highlight the exceptional experiences, events and activities offered by the emirate.

The move is part of the Dubai Racing Club’s efforts to support the initiative, which was launched in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the UAE’s profile as a leading global destination and make Dubai the world’s best city to live and visit.

The first race night of the new year will feature a total of seven races including the ‘UAE 1000 Guineas Trial’, with the total value of all prizes exceeding AED800,000. Each of the day’s seven races will be named after one of Dubai’s iconic destinations, beginning with the ‘Etihad Museum’ maiden race followed by the second maiden race ‘Dubai Frame’, with both races being dedicated to Purebred Arabians horses.

The Thoroughbred races will begin with the Al Jaddaf Mile presented by the ‘Museum of the Future’, followed by four races bearing the names of tourist destinations in Dubai such as ‘Ain Dubai’; ‘Burj Al Arab’; ‘Burj Khalifa’, and ‘The Palm Jumeirah’.

Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, said that Dubai Racing Club is keen to support the #DubaiDestinations initiative as part of its efforts to further raise Dubai’s profile as a leading global destination, in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

Sheikh Rashid added that Dubai’s leading position in the equestrian field globally has enabled it to become a unique sports and tourist destination. The various sports events and activities hosted in Dubai, such as the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse, attract visitors annually to the emirate.

The Meydan Racecourse is considered one of Dubai’s distinctive destinations, Sheikh Rashid noted. As one of the world’s largest and most prestigious sports facilities, the racecourse attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world to follow its events and races. It features a 1.6 km long grandstand that can accommodate around 60,000 spectators. It also features one of the largest screens in the world that is about 100 metres in length, allowing spectators to have a clear view of the horse races.

The Meydan Racecourse attracts participants and visitors from inside and outside the country to its races and championships, most notably the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the popular ‘Super Saturday’ evening organised at the end of the Carnival, in addition to the most prominent horse racing event, the ‘Dubai World Cup’, which features elite horses and riders from across the world.

Source: Emirates News Agency

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, welcomed the world’s leading football personalities to the 16th session of the Dubai International Sports Conference, which will take place on 27 December, alongside the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

Organised under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives by Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai International Sports Conference has been bringing football’s top stakeholders together every year since 2006 for exploring ways to develop and enrich the sport at domestic, regional and international levels.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed highlighted the importance of the annual event, which has brought together elite players, coaches and decision makers from the world of football.

His Highness said: “The Dubai International Sports Conference has become a global platform for top football players, managers and training professionals to exchange perspectives on the present and future of football. It is also a platform for football’s top decision-makers to network, build relationships and share ideas on enhancing excellence in the sport. The event reflects the UAE’s and Dubai’s leadership in advancing excellence in the global sporting sector.”

His Highness, the Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, also stressed on the UAE’s contributions to shaping the future of various sporting fields. “This year, we are pleased to host a new set of elite stars, whose performances have electrified football venues around the globe and brought joy to fans in every corner of the world. It is fitting that we will be celebrating their achievements at an awards ceremony at the Burj Khalifa, which is a symbol of Emirati excellence and creativity and an iconic landmark that is known all over the world.”

“On this day last year, we organised the 15th session of the Conference and the 11th Dubai Globe Soccer Award with some of the world’s biggest stars present physically and the President of FIFA delivering the opening keynote address in person. Our robust precautionary measures, which enabled us to win the trust of the world, gave us the confidence to organise the Conference and Awards ceremony, the first such global event to be organised after the pandemic. We continue to host this special UAE-born event, which has become a leading global platform for celebrating outstanding achievements in football.”

The Dubai International Sports Conference will kick off the event’s proceedings at 7.00 pm. It will be followed by the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, which will recognise the football world’s outstanding individuals and organisations in 2021.

The Dubai International Sports Conference will bring together two of football’s biggest global stars, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe, to share their experiences with the audience.

Poland and Bayern Munich’s ace sharpshooter Lewandowski also took part in the 2020 Dubai International Sports Conference, alongside Portuguese megastar Cristiano Ronaldo and goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas. He was named the Dubai Globe Soccer Player of the Year for 2020.

France and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe is one of the most well-known global names in football today. The 23-year-old is already being hailed as one of the world’s greatest footballers.

Winner of the Ballon d’Or Striker of the Year award earlier this month, Lewandowski is in contention for the Dubai Globe Soccer Player of the Year award this year as well alongside Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema and Mohammad Salah, who have been shorlisted following two rounds of voting by more than 5 million fans from around the globe.

Lewandowski is also on the shortlist for the TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year Award, alongside Benzema, Mbappé, Messi, Ronaldo and Salah.

The shortlist for the other Dubai Globe Soccer Awards includes: -eSports Player of the Year: Aldossary ‘Msdossary7’ Mossad, Nicolas99fc, Nraseck, Rocky, Tekkz.

-Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona, Bayern München, Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain.

-Women’s Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas, Lucy Bronze, Jennifer Hermoso, Samantha Kerr, Lieke Martens, Alex Morgan.

-Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci, Trent Alexander-Arnold, César Azpilicueta, Giorgio Chiellini, Rúben Dias, Antonio Rüdiger.

-Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Edouard Mendy, Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, Manuel Neuer.

-Men’s Club of the Year: Chelsea, Al Ahly, Al Hilal, Atletico Madrid, Flamengo, Manchester City.

-Sporting Director of the Year: Begiristain Mujika, Piero Ausilio, Luis Campos, Roberto Olabe, Marc Overmars.

-Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello, Jonathan Barnett, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola, Pini Zahavi.

-Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini, Didier Deschamps, Hansi Flick, Josep Guardiola, Lionel Scaloni, Thomas Tuchel.

Source: WAM – Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Russian Swimming Federation’s Kliment Kolesnikov took the headlines on Sunday, Day 4 at the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi as he won the 100m Individual Medley and the 50m Backstroke in 80 minutes, bringing his total to four medals here – and 15 in 2021, only majors considered.

The highly-anticipated clash of Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands and Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, two of the most decorated female swimmers who are also among the fastest ones in history, ended in the second-fastest effort ever in the 50m Butterfly as Kromowidjojo won in 24.44sec, reaching a never-before-seen speed in a textile suit, according to the Fédération Internationale de Natation website.

While China’s Li Bingjie added the 400m crown to her 800m title from yesterday, Shioban Haughey of Hong Kong China went on writing history by finishing third as she became the first woman in almost half a century to claim medals in the 100m-200m-400m Freestyle in the same championships.

Kliment Kolesnikov is a unique phenomenon in the world of swimming. A humble, ever-calm, ever-friendly athlete – all this besides being one of the best ones currently on the planet. Today he just offered something special again as he clinched two titles within 80 minutes, first in the 100m Individual Medley, then in the 50m Backstroke. His tally stands at four medals here, as he already had a gold in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay and a silver in the 100m Backstroke.

Today’s double reinforced Kolesnikov’s status among the top medal-collectors at the 2021 majors: he had three golds and a silver from the l/c Europeans from Budapest, a silver and a bronze from the Olympics, six more medals from the short-course European championship titles in Kazan – including three individual titles. With four more podiums here, his total stands at 15 – and counting.

He could have sat on cloud nine, or paraded through the mixed zone, throwing commonplaces at the media if stopping at all. Instead, he is the one, in the truly upper crust of world class athletes, who kindly chats with journalists after his first event rather than tell them that he’d come back after the second go-around through the media mixed zone as he still has more job to do.

“I am really happy, and I feel so free and comfortable, maybe thanks to the lot of races I had during the last few months” shared his thoughts after the 100m Individual Medley. “I enjoyed swimming together with my friends, and I congratulate all the guys.”

Then, one and a half-hour later, he came through again and talked even longer to the Russian press, then answered all other questions as well. The one referring to his amazing 2021 medal hunt (15 podiums so far) surprised him.

“If you say so, you are probably right. Honestly, I’m not counting this,” Kliment said. “I just love swimming, love to be ready and doing my races. I mean, it was really great to win these two events today, we are all tired here, it was a really tough season, with a lot of meets so if you win at the end of the year, that’s a pleasure.”

What also makes Kliment unique among the others is his very visible necklace with a cross, worn all the time, during races as well. In a sport, where everything is about optimising your speed via shaving and wearing the best-aiding suits, this is a spectacular exception.

“Some told me in the past I may lose time because of that but only one referee tried to force me to put it down back at a junior Europeans – our team’s staff intervened so it remained in my neck. I never thought that it could affect my times, my performances. This is about my religion, my faith, so it never crossed my mind to swim without it.”

As for the other stories of the day, a fantastic relay final kicked off the evening session. In the 4x50m Freestyle, an outstanding anchor leg by Alessandro Miressi secured the title for Italy (0.06 takeover time, followed by a 20.61 blast), while the next three hit the wall within 0.06sec, with the Russian Swimming Federation claiming the silver, ahead of the Netherlands. The American men, leading at the halfway mark and still second before the last leg, left the pool empty-handed.

Next came one of the most awaited ‘duel in the pool’, featuring two of the fastest females this sport has ever seen. Dutchwoman Ranomi Kromowidjojo took on Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom in the 50m Butterfly and this time it was Kromowidjojo who touched in first, 0.07sec ahead of her arch-rival to retain her title from 2018. Her 24.44 is the second-fastest swim ever, a Championship Record, with only Sweden’s Therese Alshammar’s world record (24.36) from 2009 better than this, captured at the height of the shiny-suit era. The USA’s Claire Curzan took the bronze en route to setting the junior world record (24.55).

“One more to go to catch up Katinka,” Ranomi said on her quest to pass Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu on the all-time medal-ranks (it’s 27-26 as of now). “This is my personal best, only Therese (Alshammar) could swim faster than this. It’s somewhat owed to Sarah as she always makes the races tough for me. The world record was also in my vision. I was close but never mind – a gold and a lifetime best is pretty much enough, for sure.”

In the women’s 100m Individual Medley, Israeli Anastasia Gorbenko proved to be in her own class again. The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season: she won the 200m Individual Medley at the long-course European Championships in May, repeated that feat at the short course Europeans in Kazan and now captured her second title here after triumphing in the 50m Breaststroke. Oh, and she also bagged three golds at the Berlin leg of the World Cup series.

There was no doubt that China’s Li Bingjie would grab the 400m title after her overwhelming win in the 800m a day earlier. She was the only one in the field whose splits remained under 30sec in all but one leg as she went on to win comfortably by a 2.04sec advantage over her nearest rival.

“This is a great win which I kind of expected,” Li said, even offering a great smile while talking. “I was a bit tired after the 800m, but a good sleep helped me to get ready for today and I’m really happy with this gold medal and with the time too.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Ons Jabeur made history in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night, becoming the first Arab to play at, and win, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC), at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.

Jabeur faced Tokyo Olympics gold medal Belinda Bencic in the headline women’s match, as she came from a set down to claim a memorable 4-6, 6-3, (10-8) victory, to the delight of crowd.

Bencic looked in good touch early in the match, taking the first set 6-4. But Jabeur, who reached a career high No.7 earlier this season, showed great desire to get back in the match, targeting the Bencic backhand and racing into a 5-0 lead in set two. Bencic, though, showed why she is Olympic champion, fighting back to claim the next three games.

Jabeur refused to be denied, and immediately broke her opponent’s serve to level the match at 1-1 and into a deciding super tiebreak.

Both players showed great determination to secure the victory. Jabeur, on match point at 9-6, attempted a drop shot for victory, which had Bencic racing from the back of the court to crash a powerful cross-court winner to great applause.

The history-making Jabeur stood firm to wrap up the super tiebreak 10-8 for a memorable victory and was delighted with her performance.

“It feels amazing. Belinda plays tough and surprised me with her drop shots, so it was great to get through it. It was always a dream to play her in an Arab country to represent Tunisia and the Arab world. A real privilege. And to pick up the victory is great,” said the 27-year-old African No.1 “I want to keep breaking records, continuing my journey, and proving I’m deserving of a place in the top 10. I’m surprised at the reaction I’ve been receiving, hopefully what I’m doing can do something to help bring more Arab players into the game.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Some 35 local & international exhibitors will present their latest products in heritage sports at the Dubai International Heritage Sports Exhibition & Conference (DIHSEC), which organisers say will contribute to popularise the level of awareness about the Emirati heritage sport and to enhance knowledge with the UAE’s culture.

Organised by “Domus Group” in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council (DSC), DIHSEC will focus on several products, services & best practices in the heritage sports sector. The event, which got underway today at Festival Arena – Dubai Festival City, will show various equipment & accessories used in heritage sports practices. DIHSEC also comprises series of discussions, introductory shows for best practices, latest technologies & innovations, means of inserting modern styles along with preserving the ancient heritage identity for each athlete. Several traditional heritage activities will be held on the sideline of this pioneering event. The sports categories which will be exhibited during the event comprise falconry, fishing, camel racing and other traditional sports. Heritage sports present vital element in cementing communication & interaction between the Emiratis & expatriates in the country.

Abdulla Ahmed Abulhoul, the CEO of Domus Group, stated: “This event will play vital role to preserve our ancient Emirati culture, traditions & norms. It also represents a stand for showing the latest technologies in traditional sports through top international companies which exhibit every year during this event their products & services relating to heritage sports equipment & accessories. DIHSEC provides unique opportunities for those who are interested in traditional sports to be acquainted with the latest technologies & best practices, offered by international companies, and to boost direct communication between producers & organizers of the heritage sports championships & events”.

Four dialogue sessions will be convened as part of DIHSEC; the first of which held today dealt with the topic of camels between the past & future while the second session focused on the topic of horses – the pioneering Emirati Model.

The third session will deal with the topic of falcons and the fourth session will discuss the topic of traditional games.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company (IHC) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council today signed a three-year cycling sponsorship agreement for the UAE Tour 2022-2024.

The UAE Tour is the only World Tour race in the Middle East. The route crosses five of the nation’s seven emirates with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah all playing host to some of the top riders from across the globe.

Aref Al Awani, General-Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, host of the event, said, “IHC’s sponsorship the UAE Tour for the next three years is an important contribution to the country’s growing sporting calendar. Hosting this major event is an honour for the UAE. It brings top cyclists from around the world, who provide a close up view of high performance and serve as fantastic role models for the next generation.”

International Holding Company will be the official sponsor of the races for the next three seasons. This is the second partnership between IHC and Abu Dhabi Sports Council following the sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Cricket team early this year.

Commenting on the partnership Syed Basar Shueb Board Member, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IHC, said, “IHC runs a well-coordinated programme of initiatives to support popular and fast-growing sports in the UAE. Through this agreement, we are proud to be part of a key moment in the international cycling calendar. The UAE Tour is another demonstration of the country’s outstanding capability to host major international events, and we wish the organisers, participants and cycling fans success and enjoyment.”

The official route, for the fourth edition of the UAE Tour, will be announced by the UAE Tour race organisers, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in January 2022.

Source: Emirates News Agency