UAE Judo Sets Sights On Historic Achievements At Paris 2024 Olympics

Mohammed bin Thaloub Al Darei, President of the UAE Judo Federation, commended the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for its significant role under H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's leadership. He expressed optimism about the UAE's participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This will be the fifth consecutive appearance for UAE judo at the Olympics. Their journey began at the 2008 Beijing Games and continued through the 2012 London Games, 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and 2020 Tokyo Games.

The Rio Games hold a special place in UAE sports history. During these games, Toma won a bronze medal in the under-81 kg category, marking the first Olympic achievement for UAE judo. This historic win earned him a spot in Madame Tussauds' wax museum in Dubai.

Al Darei highlighted that the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics will be unique for UAE judo. Six players from the UAE judo team have qualified directly after rigorous qualifications over a year and a half across various weight categories for both genders.

"Their qualification among the top 18 players globally, not just regionally or through invitation cards, represents an exceptional achievement for UAE sports and judo, which have been making remarkable progress towards a more distinguished future in recent times," he stated.

Al Darei concluded by expressing hope for a positive participation in Paris 2024. He emphasised that their goal is to meet the aspirations of UAE sports, supported by their wise leadership.

With inputs from WAM