UAE Team To Compete In Showjumping At Paris Olympics Monday

The UAE National Show Jumping Team is set to compete in the individual event at the Palace of Versailles on Monday. This competition is part of the 33rd Olympic Games, held in Paris from 26th July to 11th August, featuring 10,500 athletes. The UAE will be represented by 14 athletes across five sports: equestrian, judo, athletics, cycling, and swimming.

In the individual showjumping competition, 75 riders will participate. The top 30 riders will advance to the final stage based on their faults and recorded times. The UAE's showjumping team has completed their training round, where each rider had 90 seconds to clear eight obstacles. All horses successfully passed the veterinary inspection.

Sultan Mohammed Al Yahyai, a Board Member of the Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation and Head of the Show Jumping Committee, highlighted that this participation marks a significant milestone for UAE equestrian sports. He noted that having a UAE team in this Olympic event signifies a major shift following their successes at various levels.

Al Yahyai emphasised the Board of Directors' dedication under Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi's leadership. They have adopted ambitious programmes aimed at enhancing Emirati capabilities and qualifying them for international events. These initiatives include expanding participation in showjumping through training programmes and collaborating with clubs to support the sport's development.

Regarding female riders' preparation for international competitions, Al Yahyai stated, "Emirati women receive top attention within the Federation's developmental programmes, providing opportunities to develop their capabilities in show jumping and other sports, driven by our strong belief in their high skills and ambitions that have led them to face many challenges in various equestrian sports. We hope to see generations of [female] champions in showjumping."

The UAE's involvement in these Olympics not only showcases their athletic talent but also reflects their commitment to fostering sports development across various disciplines.

With inputs from WAM