Hafeet Sports Challenge Cycling Race Draws 300 Athletes From Various Categories
The "Hafeet Sports Challenge" has significantly influenced the sports landscape, drawing nearly 2,000 athletes to compete across four events. These competitions spanned over 5,000 km in "Dar Al Zain," featuring football, basketball, and volleyball. The event also included a cycling race with 300 participants from various regions, divided into 13 categories, enhancing the competitive spirit.
The cycling race commenced from the "Saied" area towards Al Ain International Airport. It featured nine main categories based on age and skill levels. The primary race covered an 80 km distance, while a shorter 27 km race was held for participants under 15 years old. This structure allowed diverse participation and showcased different levels of expertise.

Volleyball matches were held in Al Waqn, Al Amera, and Downtown areas. Twelve teams competed for a spot in the Super League starting Tuesday at Downtown. Al Merial, Al Qwie, and Al Amera emerged victorious, securing their places in the league. These matches added excitement to the event's overall atmosphere.
Ju-jitsu champions are gearing up for their challenge at Al Qatarah's gym. Meanwhile, running races will occur at Al Mabzarah Al Khadra’a. Participants are divided into six categories with distances of 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km available for citizens and open categories for both genders.
Support and Organisation
Ahmed Al Mazouqi from Abu Dhabi Cycling Club highlighted the event's success due to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan's support. He stated: "The excellent organisation and vast turnout we have witnessed, especially in the cycling race, are considered a source of pride and appreciation." This reflects Al Ain’s status as a global sports hub.
Al Ain football players Abdoul Karim Traoré and Mohammed Awadallah attended the institutions' championship at Tahnon Bin Mohammed stadium. They expressed admiration for the vibrant sporting environment in the city. Their presence underscored the event's significance within the local sports community.
The "Hafeet Sports Challenge" has successfully brought together athletes across various disciplines. It showcased competitive spirit while highlighting Al Ain as a prominent sports destination globally.
With inputs from WAM