Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship 2024 Winners Crowned In Prestigious Ceremony
In a grand ceremony that underscored the UAE's rich maritime heritage, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, alongside Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, awarded the victors of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship 2024. This prestigious event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, took place at the Mohammed Khalaf Majlis in Abu Dhabi's Al Karama area.
The championship, a collaborative effort between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, attracted over 1,500 anglers from across the region and beyond, including Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain. Competitors set sail in more than 360 boats, vying for a share of the AED1 million prize pool. The event not only celebrated the sport of kingfishing but also aimed to preserve and promote the UAE’s maritime legacy.
Hamad Al Kamali emerged as the tournament's champion, securing first place with a kingfish weighing 32.69 kg and winning AED200,000. Omar Al Buraiki and Muhammad Al Marzooqi followed in second and third places, receiving AED150,000 and AED100,000 respectively. The competition also recognized participants from outside the UAE and paid tribute to the Emirati women’s Al Namous team for their participation.
Several organizations played pivotal roles in the success of this event, including Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Yas Canal, Delma Marine, Abu Dhabi Marine, National Guard Command, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Mohammed Khalaf Majlis. Their contributions were instrumental in making this championship a landmark event in promoting marine sports within the community.
Aref Hamad Al Awani expressed his gratitude towards H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous support of the festival. He highlighted that such events encourage community engagement in sports and contribute to reviving marine fishing sports among UAE Nationals. Al Awani also thanked all sponsors, strategic partners, and organizing committees for their dedication and promised more exciting developments for future tournaments.
This championship not only showcased exceptional angling skills but also reinforced the importance of preserving traditional sports and cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to fostering a vibrant sporting community while paying homage to its maritime roots.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google