logo
Rising star Ghanim eyes UAE League title

Rising star Ghanim eyes UAE League title

Gulf Today01-05-2025

Following the footsteps of his father, the former UAE national team star and referee Omar Mohammed Zubair Al Marzooqi, Ghanim Omar Mohammed Al Marzooqi is swiftly carving a name for himself as one of the UAE's most promising handball prodigies.
Ghanim is the second son of Dubai Police Major Omar Al Zubair, whose deep-rooted love for sport clearly left its mark on his children.
Both Ghanim and his elder brother chose the same path, embracing the beautiful game. While his older brother eventually stepped away from the court due to the demands of his challenging job, Ghanim remained devoted — carrying forward the family's sporting legacy with passion.
Ghanim's journey began at the age of four, inspired by his father's extraordinary career. Omar Al Zubair is a celebrated figure in UAE sports, having played for Al Nasr club from 1983 to 1998, before making history as the first Emirati, Arab, and Asian referee to officiate a World Cup final in handball.
His presence at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as well as multiple youth and junior world finals, earned him some of the UAE's highest sports honours.
Omar Al Zubair's achievements have earned him top honours, including the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Sports Creativity and the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Award for Sports Excellence. Outside sports, he runs a Majlis to celebrate achievers and inspire young people.
'My journey in handball sport began in 2010 when I was just four years old. At first, it was just something fun to try, but from the moment I stepped onto the training pitch, I fell in love with the game. That love has only grown stronger over the years,' said the 19-year-old Emirati player.
From 2010 to 2024, Ghanim played for Shabab Al Ahli club, rising through the youth ranks and becoming a key figure in the team's development structure.
One of the most unforgettable moments in Ghanim's career came in 2019, when he won a championship representing Shabab Al Ahli.
His talent soon earned him a place on the U-17 UAE national team, representing the country in the Asian Championship in Bahrain, where he displayed both technical skill and tactical maturity beyond his years.
In 2024, Ghanim embarked on a new chapter by joining Al Wasl club for a year, embracing fresh challenges and opportunities to refine his skills and broaden his experience. However, his heart remains with Shabab Al Ahli, and he is set to return to his home club upon completing his one-year stint.
'My dream is to play for the UAE senior national team and help bring home all the major titles — not just for the country, but also for Shabab Al Ahli, the club I want to stay with for many years to come.
'My biggest goal is to lead Shabab Al Ahli to glory by winning the UAE Men's Handball League and the prestigious Asian Handball Championship,' he said.
'It's been over seven years since our club last lifted the league title, and that gap is something I carry with me every time I step on the court. I want to be part of the team that brings it back — not just for the club's legacy, but also for the fans, the community, and everyone who believes in the spirit of Shabab Al Ahli.
'Winning both domestic and continental titles is not just a dream; it's a mission I am fully committed to,' he added.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Argentina not overly reliant on Messi, says coach Scaloni
Argentina not overly reliant on Messi, says coach Scaloni

Khaleej Times

time3 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Argentina not overly reliant on Messi, says coach Scaloni

Argentina have learned to cope with Lionel Messi's absences and no longer need to rejig the line-up when the Inter Miami forward is not available, manager Lionel Scaloni said ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Colombia. Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has scored 112 goals in 192 appearances for Argentina, winning the World Cup in 2022, two Copa America titles and a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The 37-year-old captain missed Argentina's 1-0 win over Uruguay and 4-1 thrashing of rivals Brazil in March due to injury, with Scaloni's side securing their place at the 2026 World Cup during that international break. He returned to the squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers and made a substitute appearance in Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile last week. "The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo (Messi) or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players," Scaloni told reporters ahead of the match in Buenos Aires. "But now we don't have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that's good." While Argentina have already qualified for the World Cup in North America, Colombia are in the sixth and final automatic qualification spot and will be looking to put some distance between themselves and seventh-placed Venezuela with a win. Colombia beat Argentina 2-1 when the sides last met in the World Cup qualifiers in September. "It's a great team, and with great players, and it has a clear style that can put you in trouble," Scaloni said. "We've analysed it, we've shown the players their strengths and what we want to take advantage of. It's going to be a nice game, especially because we play at home, so it's good for our people to see the players."

UAE coach Olaroiu shifts focus to crucial playoff preparation
UAE coach Olaroiu shifts focus to crucial playoff preparation

Gulf Today

time5 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

UAE coach Olaroiu shifts focus to crucial playoff preparation

UAE will be aiming to lock down third spot when they travel to face Kyrgyzstan in their final AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday. Thursday's goalless draw with Uzbekistan ended UAE's hopes of automatic qualification and the West Asian side sit only a point ahead of Qatar, with both having sealed their places in the playoffs. Cosmin Olaroiu would have known before the tie against Uzbekistan that automatic qualification was going to be a long shot but the newly appointed head coach saw positives in the match and is already preparing for the playoffs. 'You have a once in a lifetime chance,' Olaroiu said. 'I don't think you should talk about motivation as much as preparation. That is the most important thing. Now is the end of the season, we have a break, then the clubs will start their preparations. 'In September, there is (an international) break and we will have some friendly games. The preparation is very, very important because the work the clubs will do now will influence it.' Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, will be aiming to finish their debut campaign at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers on a high note. Cosmin Olaroiu In a setback to the team ahead of the crucial match, the UAE Football Association has suspended defender Khalid Al Dhanhani and forward Sultan Adel for five domestic matches and fined each player Dhs500,000 on Sunday for misconduct during a national team training camp. The players have left the camp with immediate effect due to a violation of disciplinary rules and will not travel with the squad to Kyrgyzstan. 'The disciplinary committee of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has decided to suspend Sharjah player Khalid Al Dhanhani and Shabab Al Ahli player Sultan Adil for five domestic matches, and to impose a fine of Dh500,000 on each,' the UAEFA said in a statement on Sunday. 'They have also been removed from the senior national team list after committing a violation inside the national team training camp on June 7.' The clubs of the two players dismissed from the UAE national team have expressed their support for the Football Association's decision. While the specific nature of the 'violation' has not been disclosed, both players' clubs have backed the FA's actions. 'While the club reaffirms its full respect for the decisions and regulations of the UAE Football Association, it will proceed with the necessary disciplinary action against the player,' Sharjah club stated. Saudi aim for miracle against Australia: A Saudi squad that has scored six goals through nine qualifying games need to beat Australia by a five-goal margin to earn a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Herve Renard knows it's an extremely unlikely outcome for his Saudi team, but he's urging his players to go all in Tuesday in the last game of the third round of Asian qualifying for next year's global tournament. 'The door is closed but we have to try to qualify even if it is through the window,' Renard said after his team's 2-0 win over Bahrain last week kept Saudi Arabia in contention. 'Everything must go very well for us if we are to qualify; we have to score goals.' Anything less than a five-goal deficit means Australia — in second spot in Group C — will qualify for a seventh World Cup. The last time the Socceroos lost by such a margin was in successive 6-0 defeats against Brazil and France in 2013. The Australians have scored 14 goals and conceded six through nine qualifiers. After successive World Cup qualifications through the playoffs, Australia are close to securing a direct route but coach Tony Popovic is taking nothing for granted. 'We need to do a job in Saudi,' Popovic said. 'We're in a great position, but we need to finish it off.' Popovic has only been in the job since September, stepping in after Graham Arnold resigned after collecting just one point in the group's first two qualification games. 'It's been a really intense period since I've come in but everyone's embraced what we're aiming to do,' he said. 'And we're very close now to achieving our goal.'For China, Kuwait, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan and Bahrain, the run to 2026 is already over. UAE players take part in a training session in Bishkek on Monday, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan.

Sheikh Hamdan witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Programme'
Sheikh Hamdan witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Programme'

Gulf Today

time5 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Sheikh Hamdan witnesses launch of ‘National Service Athlete Programme'

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, witnessed the launch of the 'National Service Athlete Programme,' a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Sports. The programme is designed to support elite Emirati athletes enlisted in national service by integrating them into tailored sports programmes. It enables them to continue their training and skill development during their service period and to participate in competitions that impact their international rankings or qualifications for major global tournaments. The launch was held at a special event organised by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, and Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs. During the event, Sheikh Hamdan met with recruits forming the programme's first cohort. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed that supporting elite athletes is a national priority aligned with the UAE leadership's vision of empowering Emiratis across all sectors, including sports, which plays a pivotal role in shaping character and enhancing the nation's global profile by nurturing young national talent. "Athletes are our ambassadors on the global stage. We are committed to creating an environment that enables them to thrive. The integration of national service with athletic development strengthens the physical and mental capabilities of our youth, preparing them to be future leaders and guardians of our national achievements, while instilling discipline and dedication,' Sheikh Hamdan said. He added, "The launch of the 'National Service Athlete Programme' reflects a strong spirit of collaboration between government entities to support high-performing athletes, uncover new talent, and develop champions who will proudly represent the UAE. We believe physical readiness and competitive spirit are shared values between sports and national service. This programme lays the foundation for a long-term strategic pathway that advances our national vision.' Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi said, "This programme marks a significant step in developing national sports and supporting the physical readiness of our elite athletes during national service. It harnesses the combined strengths of both ministries to strengthen national identity and deliver on the strategic priority of building a healthy and active society.' He added, "The programme directly contributes to the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', particularly in promoting physical activity among Emirati youth and enhancing their athletic and professional capabilities. It also supports the wider ambitions of 'We the UAE 2031' to empower our youth and ensure their ability to serve the nation with the highest-level of commitment and excellence.' Mohamed Bin Mubarak Bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei said, "We are committed to channelling the potential of our youth into paths that benefit the country and enhance their overall readiness. The 'National Service Athlete Programme' provides an enabling training environment for elite athletes to continue advancing in their sport while fulfilling their national duty.' He added, "This initiative also allows us to identify new talent among national service recruits and support them through a flexible system that blends military discipline with athletic excellence. The programme prepares a new generation of well-rounded individuals ready to represent the UAE at the highest levels.' The programme marks a strategic milestone in mobilising national capabilities in service of the country. It aims to sustain and enhance the athletic performance of Emirati athletes during their service, while also enabling their participation in external competitions. Technical teams will conduct assessments and regular evaluations of selected recruits to identify emerging talent. In addition, the programme fosters collaboration to strengthen the performance of national service recruits and help uncover their full athletic potential. The inaugural cohort includes athletes who will represent the UAE in major upcoming events, most notably the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, as well as a range of regional and international tournaments. Participants span diverse disciplines, including fencing, equestrian, archery, athletics, and combat sports, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to cultivating talent across the full spectrum of sports. The programme is built on a robust framework of coordination between both ministries, covering the organisation of joint sports activities, athlete participation in tournaments, and workshops aimed at enhancing sports and fitness capabilities. It also supports knowledge exchange, logistical assistance, and joint efforts in developing technical and administrative expertise in sports coaching and related fields.A joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defence, and other relevant stakeholders will oversee the implementation of the programme's initiatives. The committee will meet regularly to monitor progress and ensure alignment with shared strategic goals. WAM

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store