UAE to send 14 athletes to Paris 2024 Olympics

UAE to Send Record 14 Athletes to Paris Olympics

The UAE will be sending a record 14 athletes to compete in the Paris Olympics, set to be the largest delegation from the country since the London 2012 Games. This significant increase underscores the UAE’s growing commitment to showcasing its athletic talent on an international stage and marks a notable milestone in the nation’s Olympic history.

The athletes will participate in five sports: equestrian, judo, cycling, swimming, and athletics. This diverse representation highlights the UAE’s expanding competitive presence across various disciplines.

Equestrian Sports

In equestrian sports, the UAE will be represented by Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzouqi, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi. The selection process is ongoing, with four of these equestrians to be finalized by the technical staff in the coming days. This team aims to make a significant impact in the equestrian events, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to excelling in this sport.

Judo

The judo team will include six athletes, comprising five men and one woman. The male judokas are Narmandakh Bayanmunkh (66kg), Nugzari Tatalashvili (81kg), Aram Grigorian (90kg), Dzhafar Kostoev (100kg), and Magomedomar Magomedomarov (+100kg). The lone female judoka is Khorloodoi Bishrelt (52kg). This diverse team represents the UAE’s increasing strength and competitiveness in judo, with athletes competing across various weight categories.

Cycling

Cycling will see the participation of Safia Al Sayegh, who will compete in the women’s road race. Al Sayegh’s qualification is a historic achievement, as she becomes the first Emirati female cyclist to compete in the Olympics. Her participation reflects the UAE’s expanding focus on and success in cycling.

Swimming

In swimming, the UAE will be represented by Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi, competing in the men’s 100m freestyle, and Maha Abdullah Al Shehi, who will compete in the women’s 200m freestyle. Their participation highlights the UAE’s commitment to improving its performance in aquatic sports and building on previous successes in swimming.

Athletics

Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi will represent the UAE in the 100 meters sprint. Her participation adds to the UAE’s broad representation across different sports disciplines and highlights the nation’s focus on developing talent in athletics.

Historical Context and Significance

The UAE previously sent 26 athletes to the London 2012 Olympics, whereas the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) saw only five UAE athletes. The increase in the number of athletes for the Paris 2024 Games is a significant development, reflecting the country’s enhanced focus on sports and Olympic participation.

The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) announced the delegation during a press conference at the Shindagha Museum in Dubai. Faris Mohammed Al Mutawaa, secretary general of the NOC, congratulated the sports federations for their efforts and highlighted the dedication and hard work that have led to this historic moment for UAE athletes.

Flag Bearer and Opening Ceremony

Al Marzouqi will have the honor of carrying the UAE flag at the Opening Ceremony on July 26. This ceremony will be a unique event, taking place along the Seine River with approximately 160 boats, marking the first time the Opening Ceremony is held outside the stadium. This historical aspect of the ceremony adds to the significance of the UAE’s participation in the Paris Olympics.

Past Achievements

The UAE first participated in the Olympic Games at the Los Angeles 1984 Games and has since competed in 10 Olympic events. The country achieved its first gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics when Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher won in men’s double trap shooting. The UAE also earned a bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics through judoka Sergio Toma in the -81kg category.

Outlook for Paris 2024

Al Mutawaa expressed confidence in the athletes, emphasizing the trust in their abilities to achieve new milestones and uphold the UAE’s position on the Olympic stage. The UAE’s delegation will compete from July 26 to August 11, with various events scheduled throughout the Games.

Competition Schedule

• July 28: Swimming and judo events begin. Al Shehi will compete in the women’s 200m freestyle at Paris La Défense Arena, and judoka Kharoudi will compete in the women’s -52kg event at Champ de Mars Arena.
• July 30: Al Matroushi will compete in the men’s 100m freestyle, and judokas Talal Shvili and Gregorian will compete in their respective weight categories.
• August 1: The equestrian team starts its participation in the team show jumping competition at the Palace of Versailles, and judoka Aram will compete in the -100kg event.
• August 2: Marouf will compete in the men’s +100kg judo, and sprinter Al Farsi will run in the 100m heats at Stade de France.
• August 4: Cyclist Al Sayegh will compete in the road race on the Alexander III Bridge.
• August 5-6: The equestrian team will conclude its participation with the individual show jumping event.

The UAE’s diverse and extensive delegation for the Paris Olympics reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing its performance and presence on the global stage, with a well-rounded representation across multiple sports. The combination of historical achievements, strategic planning, and dedicated athletes positions the UAE for a strong performance in Paris.