Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Al Qalamoun from Lebanon were crowned champions of the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup for Ladies which was held over five days at the headquarters of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi.
The four-team round-robin tournament was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. The eventual winners beat Kuwaiti's Fatayat Al Oyoun in straight sets 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 in their final match to lay their hands on the trophy and winners' medals.
The event was also organised under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club as well as the Al Ain Ladies Club.
The inaugural edition featured four teams with plans to grown the participation of the countries. Representing the hosts UAE, Fatima bint Mubarak Academy won third place defeating the Egyptian counterparts in the other play-off match.
The final day's proceedings saw the attendance of several prominent figures and officials who praised the excellent organisation of the tournament's inaugural staging and the high level of performance displayed by the participating teams.
They emphasised the importance of such events in promoting women's sports in the UAE and the region. "This win is the culmination of the tremendous efforts we put into the tournament, and we are proud of what we have achieved," said Al Qalamoun captain and star player of the tournament Mirna Sheikho.
"The final match was a significant challenge against the Kuwaiti team, but the team spirit and focus on winning helped us secure this achievement. I extend my thanks to the Fatima bint Mubarak Academy for organising a tournament of such high calibre. This tournament was a unique experience that helped us improve our skills, and we look forward to participating in future editions to defend our title."
The Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy aims, through organising such tournaments, to increase women's participation in sports in line with the UAE's leadership's vision of empowering women and creating a competitive environment that helps develop the athletic capabilities and skills of women across the region.
Shamsa Al Hanaee, board member at the Academy, said: "The success of this tournament reflects the academy's commitment to supporting female athletes and empowering them in all fields.
"The large audience turnout and widespread engagement demonstrate the importance of such events in developing women's athletic abilities and enhancing the status of women's sports in the local and regional sporting scene."
