Emirati Sprinter Maryam Al Farsi Heads To Paris 2024 Olympics With UAE Team

Emirati runner Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi has completed her training programme in Cairo, Egypt. This training began on 15th July to prepare for the 100-metre sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Al Farsi, aged 17, will leave Cairo for Paris tomorrow (Wednesday) to join the UAE's delegation. After competing in the Olympics, she plans to return to Cairo for further training ahead of a championship in Saudi Arabia scheduled for September.

The UAE's primary medal prospects are in showjumping and judo. Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi leads the showjumping team, which consists of four members. In judo, Asian Games gold medallist Magomedomar Magomedomarov (over 100kg) spearheads the challenge.

The other judo team members include Narmandakh Bayanmunkh (under 66kg), Nugzari Tatalashvili (under 81kg), Aram Grigorian (under 90kg), Dzhafar Kostoev (under 100kg), and Bishrelt Khorloodoi (under 52kg in women's lightweight).

In swimming, Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi will compete in the 100-metre freestyle event, while Maha Abdullah Al Shehi will participate in the 200-metre freestyle. Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi is the sole track athlete representing the UAE. Additionally, Safia Al Sayegh is the only cyclist from the country.

On Monday, Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), highlighted the ambitions and hopes carried by the UAE sports delegation for the Paris Olympics. He emphasised that their goal is to reflect the UAE's significant progress and achievements across various fields.

Al Mutawa praised the speech delivered by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the National Olympic Committee. The speech encouraged athletes to draw inspiration from national sports figures who have elevated the country's flag at major sports events and to continue striving for more successes in the name of the nation.

UAE's Aspirations in Global Sports

Al Mutawa stated, "Ambitions are renewed with every participation, and the ultimate goal remains the name and status of the country on the global sports map." He stressed that participating in the Olympic Games is a significant event not only for athletes but for all delegation members. This participation aims to represent the UAE at its best, whether in current or future events like the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The UAE achieved a commendable milestone at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, securing 20 medals for the first time in its continental participation history. This achievement serves as motivation to surpass this number and achieve even better results in future competitions.

Al Mutawa reiterated that each participation renews their ambitions, with a consistent focus on enhancing the UAE's status on the global sports stage. The delegation aims to give their best performance, reflecting positively on both current and future sporting events.

At the London 2012 Games, twenty-six athletes represented the UAE. However, only five athletes were sent to the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UAE's delegation is hopeful for strong performances across various sports disciplines at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The athletes have undergone rigorous training and are prepared to compete at their highest levels.