Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 27th Zayed Sports Tournament concluded in Abu Dhabi amid jubilant celebrations from athletes and performances by renowned Emirati artists.
Established in memory of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the tournament is a tribute to his passion and fondness for sports. From the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, this year’s event welcomed 1,780 national and international sports enthusiasts.
A total of Dh350,000 in prize money, 660 medals, and 85 trophies were handed over to the winning athletes and teams. Children and adults from across the capital and expatriates from across the globe, took part in thrilling competitions of chess, football, boxing, padel tennis (including Emirati women only), gymnastics, and pétanque.
Beyond the tournament, the event served as a platform for community and togetherness. Families and friends united to cheer on the athletes and share experiences cherishing the holy month of Ramadan. The spirit of togetherness was further distinguished by the presence of esteemed dignitaries every day to boost the morale of the teams making it successful.
This year’s tournament included chess for the first time, attracting a diverse range of participants including children. The addition also embraced inclusivity, featuring blind athletes competing using braille and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship.
The cash prizes for men’s and women’s football on offer was Dh40,000 for first place, Dh15,000 and Dh5,000 for second and third respectively. The talent of the children from the UAE and other countries was also witnessed during the three-day gymnastics tournament.
Over 300 boys and girls competed in floor exercise, vault, and beam events. One of the fastest growing sports on the planet – padel tennis – also formed part of the robust tournament schedule. Cash prizes for the padel competition included a prize pot of Dh55,000.
The battle in the boxing ring ran for three days, with a total prize money of Dh26,000. The unique sport of pétanque also made its debut at the tournament, adding a novelty factor. The end of the second week also saw a thrilling swimming contest, with 150 boys and girls competing in all swimming styles.
The closing ceremony saw the Zayed Sports Tournament organisers honour all the sports federations who lent operational support, in addition to the sponsors of this year’s edition.
Lieutenant General (Rtd) Mohammed Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said: “The Zayed Sports Tournament underscores our community’s commitment to compassion and unity, mirroring the values championed by Sheikh Zayed. It serves as a platform for individuals to demonstrate leadership through sportsmanship, cooperation, and collective achievement."
Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth Abu Dhabi, said the tournament is “highly anticipated by the diverse group of athletes who engage in a competitive and social tournament. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, uniting us through sports and fostering a sense of belonging in keeping with the essence of the sacred month of Ramadan”.
