UAE Olympic Contingent To Showcase National Sports Excellence At Paris 2024

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the National Olympic Committee, praised the UAE leadership's unwavering support for the sports sector. He highlighted how this support has inspired athletes to achieve international success and uphold the noble values of the Olympic movement.

Sheikh Ahmed emphasised that the leadership's vision is evident in the National Olympic Committee's efforts to promote a sports development model. This model aims to consistently produce new talent and set high standards of excellence, helping national athletes improve their performances and achieve global success.

The UAE's participation in the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris underscores this commitment. Sheikh Ahmed directed officials to ensure that UAE athletes have access to top-notch facilities and support teams throughout the Games, enabling them to perform at their best in all competitions.

He also expressed gratitude to national sports bodies for their role in preparing the national contingent for the Paris 2024 Games. Their efforts have been instrumental in inspiring the Olympic dream among UAE athletes.

Reflecting on past achievements, Sheikh Ahmed applauded UAE athletes' accomplishments over 40 years since their first participation in the Los Angeles Games in 1984. He noted that these athletes have left a lasting impression with their determination to represent the nation proudly on the international stage.

"We appreciate the untiring efforts of various UAE sports and public entities in supporting the national contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics," he said. "Representing the nation is a noble goal, and rallying around its flag is a duty that binds everyone at all times."

Preparation for Paris 2024

The preparations for Paris 2024 began right after Tokyo 2020, with clear plans put in place by national sports federations. These preparations aim to ensure qualification marks in various events and get athletes ready mentally and physically for the Games.

The Paris Olympics will feature 32 individual and team events, involving 10,500 athletes from around the world across 329 competitions over 19 days. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday on the River Seine at 21:30 UAE time, with Omar Al Marzouqi and Safiya Al Sayegh carrying the UAE flag.

UAE Olympic House Initiative

Sheikh Ahmed also commended the UAE Olympic House initiative being promoted during the event. This initiative aims to boost participation across various sporting disciplines by showcasing Emirati heritage, culture, and history through a 'house' concept that embodies traditional Emirati values.

"We are pleased to showcase the concept of the UAE Olympic House coinciding with our team's participation in the Paris Olympics," he said. "The concept serves as a beacon of national heritage during a global event followed far and wide."

Roles of UAE Entities

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted significant roles assigned to UAE entities based on their reputation. He praised UAE police personnel deployed across various locations to secure events during the Games, reflecting global confidence in UAE's ability to organise mega events successfully.

The delegation accompanying the UAE sporting contingent has been directed to provide all necessary means and resources so that athletes can pursue their Olympic dreams earnestly. This includes ensuring they have everything needed to record remarkable feats similar to those witnessed during past Olympics.

UAE Contingent Details

The UAE contingent for Paris includes 14 athletes accompanied by 24 administrators, technicians, and therapists. They will compete in five disciplines: equestrian, judo, cycling, swimming, and athletics.

The equestrian team participating in show jumping includes Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzooqi, Ali Al Kirbi, and Salem Al Suwaidi. The judo team consists of six athletes: Narmand Bayan (under 66 kg), Talal Shveili (under 81 kg), Aram Grigorian (under 90 kg), Dhafir Aram (under 100 kg), Omar Marouf (over 100 kg), and Besharat Khoroudi (women's lightweight under 52 kg).

Safiya Al Sayegh will represent UAE in cycling road race events as she becomes the first Emirati cyclist to qualify for Olympics. Swimmers Yousuf Rashid Al Matrooshi (100m freestyle) and Maha Abdullah Al Shehi (200m freestyle) along with Mariam Mohammed Al Farsi (100m sprint) will also compete.

The opening ceremony will be unique as it takes place outside a stadium for the first time. A total of 94 boats carrying 10,500 athletes will traverse a six-kilometre route over three hours and forty-five minutes on River Seine.

With inputs from WAM