Category: Athletic

DHAFRA: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of the finale of the 5th Al Dhafra Grand Kingfish Championship for Men and Women on Al Mughirah beach in Al Dhafra city, as part of the Kingfish Fishing Season in Abu Dhabi.

The final phase will take place from 11th to 13th April 2024 in Al Mirfa, Al Dhafra Region.

Organsiers said the competition is an integral part of the kingfish fishing season in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the goal of protecting marine life from overfishing in accordance with national laws. It also aims to regulate kingfish fishing, uphold traditional heritage competitions that reflect the UAE’s maritime heritage, revive local maritime traditions, familiarise the public with the coastlines and islands of the Al Dhafra Region and provide an opportunity for amateurs to engage in traditional fishing. The competition will also promote and rev
italise fishing as a recreational pursuit, foster a spirit of healthy competition among enthusiasts, encourage widespread participation and establish the competition as a seasonal highlight for fishing enthusiasts.

A total of 20 prizes, valued at AED920,000, have been allocated for the final phase of the competition, comprising 10 prizes for the men’s category and 10 prizes for the women’s category. The first place winner in each category will be awarded AED120,000, the second place winner will receive AED80,000, and the third place winner will receive AED60,000.

The organising committee has stipulated that the exclusive fishing method allowed in the championship is trolling, utilising hooks and a winch. The use of nets of any kind, spearguns, or any other means is strictly prohibited.

Opened to UAE citizens, residents and visitors, the championship will adhere strictly to security and safety protocols, in line with the laws and regulations.

Those wishing to participate in the competition should register
at (kingfish.aldhafrafestival.com).

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) announced the appointment of Matar Obaid Al Sahbani as supervisor and Essam Abdullah Al Ali as manager of the UAE Olympic football team.

Al Sahbani and Al Ali are former players with extensive experience in sporting and managerial fields.

The UAE Olympic team is preparing to compete in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals, which will kick off in the Qatari capital, Doha, on 15th April.

Source: Emirates News Agency

OUDENAARDE: UAE Team Emirates put three riders in the top 5 of the Tour of Flanders by obtaining the 3rd, 4th and the 5th places with Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg and Antonio Morgado.

The race, which started from Antwerp and finished under the rain in Oudenaarde (270.8 km) was dominated by Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): the World Champion jumped on the leading duo of Pedersen (Lidl-Treck) and Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) on the Oude Kwaremont at 56 km to go, then a group of 20 riders took the lead of the race before Van der Poel pushed hard on the Koppenberg at -45 km.

No one could join the Dutchman who celebrated his 3rd victory in the ‘Ronde’.

Behind the World Champion a very interesting battle for the podium saw various protagonists. Alberto Bettiol (Ef-EasyPost) and Dylan Teuns (Israel-Pemier Tech) formed a duo that seemed destined to reach the final straight in Oudenaarde, but behind them UAE Team Emirates could rely on four riders for the chase: Tim Wellens, Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg and
the debutant Antonio Morgado.

The duo were caught when the sprint for second place began. Politt was very well led out, but a change of direction caused him to be boxed on the fence on the right side of the road, so he crossed the line in 4th position, behind Luca Mozzato (Arkea-B and B) and Michael Matthews (Jayco-Alula).

Matthews was later relegated which meant Politt stepped up to the podium (3rd).

The successful day for UAE Team Emirates was completed by the 4th place of Bjerg and the 5th by Morgado, in addition to the 12th of Wellens.

Politt said, ‘I was already at the team bus and then the call came saying I was third. I’m super happy with this result, being on the podium of the Tour of Flanders is something special, this is my second time on a podium of a Monumentum after the one at the Paris-Roubaix.

“We deserved this result as a team because we rode very well today, with 4 riders in the top 12. For what concerns the sprint, I can say I was coming with speed and I had to brake a little bit. The c
ommissaires took this decision, I feel also sorry for Matthews.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

The exciting competition continued both at the top and bottom between the teams to win and collect points before the league enters the decisive rounds. Al Sadd continued their winning run, maintaining the top spot reaching 43 points, ahead of Al Gharafa, second with 40 points. Al Sadd beat Al Markhiya, while Al Gharafa won over Al Arabi to keep the contest hot in the top four with a difference of three points from the leaders.

Al Wakrahs victory over Qatar SC raised their tally to 37 points to stay in third place with Al Rayyan in fourth place with 35 points and Al Arabi in fifth position with 23 points after their loss to Al Gharafa.

As for Al Duhail, the side suffered their eighth loss of the season being defeated by Al Rayyan 2-0 and The Red Knights tally stayed on 22 points to be in sixth place.

Al Shamal raised their tally to 21 points, one point behind Al Duhail and two points behind Al Arabi. As for Al Ahli, their tally is stuck on 20 points, the side falling to eighth place, followed by Umm Salal,
who fell to ninth with the same number of points on goal difference. Qatar SC stood 10th with 16 points.

Muaither regained the winning touch after four rounds by beating Umm Salal 2-1. The result raised Muaithers tally to 14 points in 11th place. Al Markhiya, meanwhile, remained in 12th place with eight points.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Rome, Bologna team cruised past Italian Serie A’s bottom side Salernitana 3-0 on Monday to continue their charge towards a first-ever appearance in the Champions League.

Bologna closed to within just two points of third-place Juventus, as Riccardo Orsolini and Alexis Saelemaekers curlers ruin Stefano Colantuonos Salernitana debut.

Riccardo Orsolini opened the scoring after 14 minutes with a tremendous left-foot shot from outside the box and Alexis Saelemaekers doubled Bolognas lead a minute from halftime.

Left back Charalampos Lykogiannis completed the scoring in stoppage time after working a neat one-two with Saelemaekers.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Rome, Bologna team cruised past Italian Serie A’s bottom side Salernitana 3-0 on Monday to continue their charge towards a first-ever appearance in the Champions League.

Bologna closed to within just two points of third-place Juventus, as Riccardo Orsolini and Alexis Saelemaekers curlers ruin Stefano Colantuonos Salernitana debut.

Riccardo Orsolini opened the scoring after 14 minutes with a tremendous left-foot shot from outside the box and Alexis Saelemaekers doubled Bolognas lead a minute from halftime.

Left back Charalampos Lykogiannis completed the scoring in stoppage time after working a neat one-two with Saelemaekers.

Source: Qatar News Agency