Category: Athletic

ABU DHABI: Manchester City Football Club is set to launch a new, exciting interactive experience in partnership with Aldar at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. This unique venue will give visitors of all ages and ability the chance to test and improve their football skills while immersing themselves in City themed challenges and connect with one of the world’s most successful clubs.

City Challenge is the latest exciting destination to be announced as part of the strategic partnership between Manchester City and Aldar, creating memorable experiences for visitors.

Set to open on the 15th of December 2023, the one-of-a-kind attraction will feature a diverse range of engaging, immersive, and fun activities, and challenges – all of which are designed to test the physical and mental skills of visitors. Making the experience even more memorable is the use of innovative technology, giving players a score for individual attributes as they enjoy the exhilaration and energy of Yas Island’s latest top-tier attraction.

Adults and
children will begin their challenge by creating a virtual companion avatar. They will then enter the awe-inspiring game arena, stepping into the boots of their heroes and immersing themselves in what it feels like to be the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Steph Houghton, or Alex Greenwood, in addition to experiencing the atmosphere of the Etihad Stadium.

Once inside the arena, the gamified destination allows players to showcase their football abilities – testing their speed, reflexes, agility, and much more before revealing their ultimate score and rank on a dynamic leaderboard. This is not just an opportunity for football enthusiasts to hone their skills but a space for players of all abilities to have fun with friends and family, with inclusive challenges designed to be fun for everyone.

Players will be put through their paces on more than ten exciting interactive challenges – including a heart-pounding moment when they step up to take a penalty against City Challenge’s robot goalkeeper. Former
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was the first to take a chance at scoring against the keeper when he visited the experience in late November before the official opening.

In addition to all this, City Challenge will also chart the club’s incredible football journey to date. This includes the stories behind some of their most significant achievements over the years, famous kits dating back to 1884, and of course a celebration of their extensive trophy haul.

City Challenge, a Yas Mall destination, promises to be an unforgettable experience, synonymous with the club’s success. Manchester City has achieved incredible milestones in the club’s storied history, including the historic treble-winning 2022-23 season, when they secured victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and, for the first time, the UEFA Champions League – and this will all be celebrated through interactive content at the new hub.

The launch of City Challenge further strengthens Manchester City’s enduring partnership with Experience Abu Dha
bi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Island portfolio, becoming a key asset for a location already established as one of the world’s leisure and entertainment destinations.

Nuria Tarre, Chief Marketing and Fan Experience Officer at City Football Group, commented: ‘We are delighted to launch City Challenge at Yas Mall. This is a fantastic opportunity for adults and children across the UAE and the Middle East region – whether they’re football fans or not – to enjoy a unique and interactive experience. City Challenge will allow visitors to enjoy the spirit of football, celebrate the club’s major achievements in a new way and allow people to connect with Manchester City from afar. We wanted to create something fresh and distinct, and we hope our fans enjoy it.’
Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The second stage of the Abu Dhabi BajaChallenge, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in cooperation with the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), will be held on 17 December, in the Liwa

desert.

The fledgling four-wheel and two-wheel racing series will take place across four rounds, with Rounds 1 and 2 hitting the stage this year in October and December, followed by two rounds at the start of 2024. The challenge will put competitors to the test both physically and mentally across the deserts of Abu Dhabi, allowing them to practice this extreme sport in a controlled environment.

The challenge is held under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi 360, the initiative that encourages all segments of society to make sport a part of daily life, with the participation of 62 cars, motorcycles, quads and buggies. An elite group of international contestants, particularly from the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc, will compete in the event.

The all-new community championship will be an exciting addition
to the extensive history of motorsport in Abu Dhabi, within the Abu Dhabi Sport Council’s plans and endeavours to develop the capabilities and skills of athletes in various kinds of sports.

The challenge focuses on developing and refining talent, achieving the goal of providing a platform for various members of society and motorsport enthusiasts to participate within an environment that adhered to the highest safety standards.
Source: Emirates News Agency

ZÜRICH: Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been announced as the three finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2023.

The accolade recognises the most outstanding performers in the men’s game from the period of 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023. The winner of the illustrious prize will be revealed at a London ceremony on 15 January 2024.

A total of 12 players were initially nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, having been chosen by a panel of experts. From this shortlist, the three finalists have been selected by an international jury comprising: men’s national team coaches, men’s national team captains, football journalists, and fans who voted on FIFA’s official website.

Aitana Bonmati, Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso have been announced as the three finalists for The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award 2023.

The winner of this honour, which recognises women’s football’s outstanding performer between 1 August 2022 to 20 August 2023, the date of the FIFA Women’s World Cup
final, will be revealed at a London ceremony on 15 January 2024.

A total of 16 players were initially nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award, having been chosen by a panel of experts. From this shortlist, the three finalists have been selected by an international jury comprising: women’s national team coaches, women’s national team captains, football journalists, and fans who voted on FIFA’s official website.

The three finalists for the FIFA Puskás Award have been revealed, with astonishing goals from Julio Enciso, Guilherme Madruga and Nuno Santos in the running for the illustrious honour.

The prize is named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, famed for his glorious individual strikes, and celebrates the most spectacular goal of the qualifying period across men’s and women’s football – from 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023 – with the winner to be announced at a London ceremony on 15 January 2024.

A total of 11 goals were initially nominated for the Puskás Award. From this shortli
st, the three finalists have been selected by fans who voted on FIFA’s official website as well as expert panelists.
Source: Emirates News Agency

FUJAIRAH: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Organising Committee of the Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship announced it has completed all preparations for the tournament’s eighth edition, which kicks off on 14th December in the area adjacent to the historic Fujairah Fort.

The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Head of the Championship’s Organising Committee; Ali Al Kaabi, Deputy Head of the Organising Committee, Head of the Dressage Committee at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF), and Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud.

Organised over three days from 14th to 16th December 2023, the Championship features elite Arabian horse breeds and their owners, breeders, and stables from around the UAE and abroad.

Dr. Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said, ‘The of the Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship has succeeded in cementing it
s status on the global equestrian sports map, reflecting the emirate’s commitment to preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage and national identity, and introducing it on the world stage, in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah.

‘This is made possible by the ample support from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, for sports in general, and traditional sports, in particular,’ he added. ‘The Crown Prince is a firm believer in the significant role traditional sports play in strengthening Arab values, as well as Emirati and Arab heritage, among all generations and members of the community, in addition to highlighting the prominent place that horses occupy in Arab and Islamic tradition.’

Al Zeyoudi stressed that the total prize pool of AED4 million, along with the ‘Golden Sword of Fujairah’, underline the tournament’s significance and role. ‘Over the course of its previous editions, the Champio
nship managed to attract renowned experts in equestrian competitions and horses, offering best-in-class organisational, logistical, and administrative support, in line with international best practice,’ he asserted. ‘This firmly positioned the Championship as a key event for horse owners and breeders in the UAE and the Gulf.’

Al Zeyoudi thanked the technical and judging committees, as well as the Championship’s partners and sponsors, for their significant contributions to the success of the event.

For his part, Ali Al Kaabi noted, ‘The eighth edition of the Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship solidifies the tournament’s status as a leading global event in the world of equestrian sports. The Championship adopts the highest international standards in judging its various competitions.’

Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi explained that the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s participation in and sponsorship of the Championship marks a notable addition to its history of meaningful participations in equestria
n sports events and activities in the UAE, and supports the commendable reputation the Championship has earned over the course of its previous editions in traditional sports circles in general, and equestrian sports, in particular.

The competitions include 18 rounds across six categories, namely, Junior Fillies, Junior Colts, Senior Mares, Yearling Fillies, Yearling Colts, and Senior Stallions. Horses range in age from one to four years and above. The 2023 edition is expected to achieve great success, building on the achievements of the previous editions, especially considering its strategic timing during the first school semester break in the UAE.

The Fujairah International Arabian Horse Championship offers an ideal opportunity for audiences of all ages to enjoy the beauty of purebred Arabian horses, showcasing their elegance amid an atmosphere of generosity and hospitality near the historic Fujairah Fort.
Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and President of the Emirates Falcons Federation, the first edition of the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing Cup is all set to commence on Thursday.

The event will see teams from across the world pitting their skills against each another at a 400-metre course in the Al Ruwayyah field.

The event features the participation of 15 teams from 15 countries that include the founding members of the International Federation. Countries represented include the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Argentina, Italy, Spain, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Greece and China.

The draw for the International Federation of Falcon Sports and Racing Cup will be held tomorrow (Wednesday), in the presence of representatives of the 15 participating teams. Each team will also announce its team composition th
at includes four falcons and four falconers. The draw will be preceded by official training for all participating teams at the Al Ruwayyah field.

Parallel to the global tournament, Dubai will also host the inaugural International Forum for Falconry Sports and Racing themed ‘Sustainability of Falconry Sports’. Starting on Thursday and featuring the participation of a group of leading specialists and enthusiasts, the event will explore best practices in the sport. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to showcase and discuss their achievements and experiences in preserving the sport at the event.

The forum offers a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and experience and fostering a deeper understanding of falconry racing activities and methods. The forum also seeks to help create a global framework for discussions on the sport’s development and partnerships within the international falconry community.

The only global event of its kind focused on the development of falconry sports and racing, the forum w
ill address the development, sustainability and future prospects of falconry sports and racing through diverse sessions encompassing visual presentations, models, and sharing of experiences between participating national and international organisations.

Rashid bin Markhan, Secretary-General of the International Falcon Sports and Racing Federation, commended the dedicated efforts of the teams involved in managing the logistical and technical aspects of the events. Being held for the first time, the International Federation of Falconry Sports and Racing Cup and the first International Forum for Falcon Sports and Racing, have garnered substantial global interest.
Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Football fans around the world have cast a record 27 million votes to decide the final shortlists for next month’s Dubai Globe Soccer Awards 2023, to be held in the Atlantis, The Palm on 19th January, and organised in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council and presented by Nakheel.

The first round of public voting closed on Thursday with organisers confirming old rivalries will be reignited in the Middle East. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominated the voting for Best Men’s Player, alongside the likes of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham, who is up for a record four awards, including Best Midfielder and Power Horse Emerging Player.

Al Nassr’s 38-year-old Ronaldo led the votes across all three categories in which he was nominated, including Fans’ Favourite Player where he faces competition on a five-man shortlist consisting of Messi, Bellingham, Al Hilal star Neymar, and Liverpool’s talismanic Mohamed Salah.

In the all-new Best Middle East Player, the P
ortuguese forward led a shortlist that includes Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema, Al-Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez, Al Hilal’s Salem Al-Dawsari, and Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly.

Another new award, Best Middle East Club, sees El Shenawy’s 43-time Egyptian Premier League champions joined by Saudi trio Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, as well as UAE side Shabab Al Ahli. Ahly’s Swiss manager Marcel Koller led the club to a five-trophy clean sweep in just 10 months, including a record-extending 11th African Champions League.

Koller has been shortlisted as Best Coach alongside the likes of Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, and Napoli’s Serie A winning coach Luciano Spalletti. The respective clubs of all three coaches, as well as Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense of Brazil, are each among the 10 nominations for Best Men’s Club.

Best Women’s Player meanwhile will pit Spain’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmatí up against, among others, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, as w
ell as a trio of Women’s Super

League stars in Mary Earps (Manchester United), Amanda Ilestedt (Arsenal), and Sam Kerr (Chelsea). Bonmatí’s Barcelona are also up for Best Women’s Club alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Roma. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, who represents Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, features on a six-man shortlist that also includes Man City’s Ederson and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois for Best Goalkeeper.

Two new Italian-focused categories, Serie A Best Digital Content by a Player and Serie A Best Digital Content by a Club, have also been introduced as part of an exciting new partnership between Globe Soccer and the Italian top tier.

The Best Agent accolade also makes a return, with Ali Barat, Jorge Mendes, and Frank Trimboli on this year’s three-man shortlist. Globe Soccer’s Official Jury will decide the victor, together with Best Sporting Director and Best President.
Source: Emirates News Agency