Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Dubai-based Dagestan Top Team Academy were crowned champions of the second UAE Wrestling Federation Cup, which was organised over two days at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The Academy topped the overall standings with a total of six gold medals, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club secured second place with five gold medals, and Fujairah Martial Arts Club came in third with four gold medals.
The championship saw the participation of approximately 400 athletes from 13 clubs and academies from within and outside the UAE, competing in the Under-10, U15, and U17 age categories. The event also saw some big names in mixed martial arts gracing the occasion such as Khamzat Chimaev, Pouya Rahmani, and Amin Taher, the wrestling world champion.
The second edition was an important one for the sport with several initiatives undertaken or announced as part of a strategic plan to fast track the process since the UAE Wrestling Federation was established nearly two years ago.
"The UAE Wrestling Federation Cup is part of an event-packed season in which we will host 14 major championships across various age categories at different venues throughout the UAE," said Mohammed Al Mubarak, President of the UAE Wrestling Federation (UAEWF).
Sultan Al Ketbi, the Chief Executive Officer of the UAEWF, described the new strategy as a reflection of the Federation's vision to develop wrestling and elevate its status locally and internationally while promoting a healthy and active sporting community to nurture talents.
The key pillars of the strategy are:
· Launching competitive tournaments such as the UAEWF Cup.
· Expanding community participation in clubs and schools. The number of participating clubs has grown from 5 to 12, with a goal of reaching 15 clubs by the end of the year. Additionally, the Federation aims to involve 10 schools in the first year, with plans for gradual expansion in the coming years.
· Developing coaching staff by recruiting top local and international coaches and launching training programs and workshops based on global best practices.
· Digital transformation through an electronic registration system and live event streaming, enhancing audience engagement and boosting the sport's presence in both community and Olympic settings.
· Establishing strategic partnerships with government and private entities to support wrestling development and prepare athletes for Olympic-level competition.
Mouza Al Ali, a federation board member, said achieving their goals requires strong partnerships and collaboration with government and private entities, reaffirming the Federation's commitment to providing all necessary resources to ensure the success of these ambitious initiatives.
Additionally, Al Ketbi also pointed out that significant investments are being made in training programmess and workshops led by top experts, ensuring that athletes train at the highest global standards.
The tournament was organised by leading sports promotion company IVSM, who have hosted over 250 international class events in the UAE and abroad. Ahead of the event, there were two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the UAEWF with IVSM and Khorfakkan Club.
During the event, another MoU was signed with the Egyptian Wrestling Federation as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation by developing the sport at all levels.
