Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 17th Annual Sports Achievers Ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi to celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of UAE sports champions for 2022. The event, organized by the General Authority of Sports, brought together esteemed dignitaries, officials, representatives of sports, and strategic partners from various sports organizations.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the General Authority of Sport, and His Excellency Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Director General of the General Authority of Sports. Their presence highlighted the importance and significance given by the UAE’s wise leadership to the sports sector in empowering the nation’s youth and fostering excellence in various athletic disciplines.
His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support and sponsorship of the ceremony, emphasizing the leadership’s dedication to empowering the youth and promoting sporting achievements. He extended his congratulations to the federations and champions of the UAE for their exceptional accomplishments, which have brought recognition to Emirati sports on regional, continental, and international platforms.
Describing the progress made in the UAE sports sector, Dr. Al Falasi highlighted the significant initiatives that have been implemented in recent years. These include the National Sports Strategy 2031, which encompasses 17 projects dedicated to enhancing the country’s global presence in sports. He also mentioned the establishment of the Sports Law and the Emirates Commission for Elite and High-Level Sport, as well as the ongoing transformation of sports federations.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 152 athletes from 10 sports federations who secured over 140 gold, silver, and bronze medals at international, continental, and regional competitions throughout 2022. Monetary rewards were distributed to 116 players, along with recognition for 12 coaches, 11 administrators, 10 heads of delegations, and 3 referees.
The UAE Jiujitsu Federation emerged as the top-performing federation in 2022, with an impressive haul of 41 world medals, including 17 gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze medals. The National Paralympic Committee also received special acknowledgment, particularly for the remarkable performances of paralympic athletes Mohamed al-Hammadi and Abdullah Sultan al-Aryani, who set world records in their respective sports.
Honorees at the event included representatives from various sports federations such as bodybuilding, fitness, jiujitsu, cycling, shooting, sailing, rowing, equestrian, Muay Thai, kickboxing, judo, karate, and the National Paralympic Committee. Referees Abdulaziz Ali Al Hammadi, Abdulaziz Yousef al Obaidli, and Mohamed Salem Al Mehri were also recognized for their contributions.
The Sports Achievers Ceremony not only celebrated the success of UAE’s sports champions but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance the nation’s sports sector. By praising the achievements of talented athletes and promoting a culture of sporting excellence, the UAE aims to inspire future generations to reach even greater heights in the world of sports.
The 17th Annual Sports Achievers Ceremony served as a reminder of the UAE’s commitment to fostering athletic talent, driving sports development, and promoting national pride. Through initiatives like the National Sports Strategy 2031, the nation strives to position itself as a global leader in sports and create a legacy of athletic achievement for years to come.
