UAE at the World games: A Rising Force in Multi-sport Competition
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to compete in the 12th edition of the World Games, commencing tomorrow in Chengdu, China, and running through August 17th. This participation marks another significant step in the UAE’s growing prominence on the international multi-sport stage. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UAE’s involvement in the World Games, its past performance, the sports featured, and the future outlook for the nation’s athletes.
Understanding the World Games
the World Games, held every four years, is a multi-sport event featuring disciplines not included in the Olympic program. Organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA), and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it showcases 34 diverse sports and attracts over 5,000 athletes from 118 countries. the Games provide a platform for athletes to compete at a high level in sports that frequently enough receive less mainstream attention, fostering growth and progress within those disciplines. The IWGA’s membership comprises 40 international sports federations, ensuring a broad representation of athletic pursuits.
UAE’s Delegation and Participating Sports in Chengdu 2023
The UAE will be represented by a strong contingent of 8 athletes competing across three sports: Jujitsu, Muaythai (Moe tai), and Target Sprint (Tartlon).
Jujitsu: A national Strength
Jujitsu has consistently been a source of success for the UAE at the World Games. the 2023 team boasts six athletes:
Muhammad Al-Suwaidi (69 kg)
Mahdi Al-awlaki (77 kg)
Saeed Al-Kubaisi (85 kg)
Al-Hosani (52 kg)
shamsi Al-Amiri (57 kg)
Washa Al-kalbani (63 kg)
The UAE’s dedication to Jujitsu is evident in its consistent medal-winning performances,making it a key focus for the nation’s sporting ambitions.
Muaythai: Expanding the UAE’s Combat Sports Presence
Maryam Al-Shamsi will represent the UAE in Muaythai, a combat sport gaining increasing global recognition. Her participation highlights the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its presence in combat sports beyond Jujitsu.
Target Sprint (Tartlon): A Rising Discipline
The inclusion of Target Sprint demonstrates the UAE’s willingness to explore and compete in emerging sports. This dynamic discipline combines running and precision shooting, demanding both athletic prowess and mental focus.
historical performance: A Trajectory of Growth
The UAE first participated in the World Games in 2009 in Taiwan, securing a bronze medal in Snooker through Mohamed Shehab.This initial success laid the foundation for future achievements.
Key milestones include:
2017 World Games (Poland): faisal Al-Ketbi achieved remarkable success in Jujitsu,winning both gold and silver medals. The national air sports team also contributed a bronze medal in the mixed parachute jumping competition.
2022 World Games (Birmingham,USA): This edition marked the UAE’s most successful performance to date,with a total of 8 medals - 2 gold,2 silver,and 5 bronze – across Jujitsu,Muaythai,and free parachute jumping.
This consistent improvement culminated in the UAE advancing 10 places in the cumulative medal table, reaching 56th position among 101 countries after the 2022 Games. While Italy currently leads the overall cumulative ranking with 490 medals, the UAE’s rapid ascent demonstrates its growing competitiveness.
Factors Driving UAE’s Success
Several factors contribute to the UAE’s increasing success in the World Games:
Investment in Sports Infrastructure: The UAE has made significant investments in state-of-the-art sports facilities, providing athletes with the resources they need to train and compete at the highest level. National Sports Strategy: A clear national sports strategy focuses on identifying and nurturing talent, particularly in sports where the UAE has a competitive advantage.
Athlete Development Programs: Comprehensive athlete development programs provide support in areas such as coaching, nutrition, and sports science.
Goverment Support: strong government support and funding are crucial for enabling athletes to participate in international competitions and achieve their full potential.
* Focus on Emerging Sports: The UAE’s willingness to embrace and invest in emerging sports like Target Sprint positions it well for
