UAE Mixed Bridge Team Achieves Qualification For 2025 World Championship In Denmark

The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in mind sports. Its mixed bridge team has qualified for the 47th World Bridge Championship. This event, organised by the World Bridge Federation (WBF), will take place in Herning, Denmark, from 20th to 31st August 2025. The team comprises six players, including both Emirati citizens and permanent residents.

The UAE team secured its spot after competing in the Asia and Middle East Bridge Championship. This event was held in Dubai from 10th to 18th April 2025. Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the championship saw participation from ten countries. These included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Syria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Several notable figures attended the Dubai event. Among them were Ghanem Al Hajeri from the Ministry of Sports and Eric Laurent of the World Bridge Federation. Bahjat Al-Majali and Dr. Saif Al Nuaimi also graced the occasion. At its conclusion, Taryam Matar honoured both participating and qualifying teams.

Teams Advancing to Denmark

From this intense competition, four teams from India qualified for the World Championship. Additionally, two teams from Bangladesh and one each from Pakistan and the UAE earned their spots. The UAE team includes Nermeen Qassem as captain alongside Homayoun Soumar, Hazem Ghoneim, Elvan Edis, Tim Edis, and Azza Sawaf.

Leadership and Support

Ahmed Mohammed Al-Madfa leads the UAE delegation to Denmark. He expressed pride in their achievement: "We are proud of our team’s qualification for the World Championship and look forward to representing the UAE honorably and raising its flag high on the international stage." He thanked Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his support.

Previous Achievements

The UAE mixed team had previously represented their country at the BFAME Championship in Pakistan. There they qualified for another World Championship in Marrakech. This consistent performance highlights their progress on an international level.

Bridge is recognised as a mind sport by the International Olympic Committee. The World Bridge Federation is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland—a city known for intellectual sports globally. This achievement underscores UAE's status as a hub for strategic sports while supporting citizens' aspirations on international platforms.

This accomplishment enhances UAE’s reputation as a centre for intellectual sports globally. It reflects an inclusive vision that supports both citizens and residents aiming to represent their nation internationally.

With inputs from WAM