Latest news with #SchoolGames
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Second edition of UAE School Games concludes on successful note in Dubai
The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organised by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports federations and local educational authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; hanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports; Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation; along with several presidents of national sports federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the ceremony, Falasi honoured the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various competitions from among 2,686 finalists. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasised the crucial role that the UAE School Games Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: "It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports." He further emphasised that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within the academic space. He said: 'We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by 2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.' He expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena. The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis. The competition concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, honoring the top three performers in each sport. A total of 1,365 students received gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The UAE School Games welcomes participation from both public and private schools across the country. It is held in three stages. The first stage occurs within schools, where students engage in training and compete in various sports. The second stage takes place at the emirate level, where schools compete locally within their respective emirates. The final stage is when top-performing students from each emirate come together to compete for medals, ultimately determining the championship winners. Medal winners from the School Games Championship in selected sports are then invited to take part in athlete assessment and development programs organized by the Emirates Committee for Elite and High-Level Sports. These evaluations aim to assess the athlete's speed, strength, endurance, potential, and physical characteristics such as height and weight. Based on the results, athletes receive customized training and educational programs to support their development. The Committee, in collaboration with the relevant national sports federations, continually monitors each athlete's progress with the goal of preparing them to represent the UAE in international and Olympic competitions. The primary goal of the School Games is to discover and nurture sporting talent within UAE schools, creating skilled athletes through training and development programs led by the Ministry of Sports. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to strengthen national teams and play a key role in advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives.
Web Release
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Second edition of UAE School Games concludes, honouring 1,365 male and female student winners across 12 sports categories
The finale of the second edition of the UAE School Games successfully concluded at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various other sports federations and local educational authorities. The closing ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Mohammed Hamza Al Qassim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education; H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports; H.E. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), H.E. Dr. Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation; H.E. Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation.; along with several presidents of national sports federations and officials from the nation's sports and education sectors and related fields. During the ceremony, H.E. Al Falasi honored the 1,365 male and female students who emerged as victors in various competitions from among 2,686 finalists. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, emphasized the crucial role that the UAE School Games Championship plays in shaping the future of sports in the country. His Excellency stated: 'It serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent from an early age. This initiative reflects our dedication to integrating sports into the school environment, encouraging healthy competition, and instilling core values such as discipline, teamwork, and national belonging in our youth. Throughout the championship, we have seen remarkable examples of emerging talents that signal a bright future for Emirati sports.' His Excellency further emphasized that the School Games reflect a comprehensive model of collaboration between the sports and education sectors, aligning with the UAE's vision to closely integrate athletics within the academic space. He said: 'We are committed to implementing systematic programs for talent identification in partnership with the UAE National Olympic Committee. These efforts are central to achieving one of our key strategic objectives—to have over 30 Emirati athletes compete in the Olympic Games by 2032. We are already making strong progress toward achieving this ambition.' His Excellency expressed his gratitude to all partners, including educational and sports organizations, as well as parents, for their vital role in the championship's success. He conveyed pride in the achievements made so far and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to establish school sports as a strong foundation for the long-term development of athletes. He noted that this ongoing dedication is essential for cultivating a new generation of athletes who will enhance the UAE's standing in the international sports arena. The finals showcased intense competition among students aged 9 to 17, representing 875 schools from various emirates across the UAE. Participants competed in 12 sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, fencing, badminton, judo, taekwondo, archery, football, jiu-jitsu, shooting, chess, and table tennis. The competition concluded with a celebratory awards ceremony, honoring the top three performers in each sport. A total of 1,365 students received gold, silver, and bronze medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The UAE School Games welcomes participation from both public and private schools across the country. It is held in three stages. The first stage occurs within schools, where students engage in training and compete in various sports. The second stage takes place at the emirate level, where schools compete locally within their respective emirates. The final stage is when top-performing students from each emirate come together to compete for medals, ultimately determining the championship winners. Medal winners from the School Games Championship in selected sports are then invited to take part in athlete assessment and development programs organized by the Emirates Committee for Elite and High-Level Sports. These evaluations aim to assess the athlete's speed, strength, endurance, potential, and physical characteristics such as height and weight. Based on the results, athletes receive customized training and educational programs to support their development. The Committee, in collaboration with the relevant national sports federations, continually monitors each athlete's progress with the goal of preparing them to represent the UAE in international and Olympic competitions. The primary goal of the School Games is to discover and nurture sporting talent within UAE schools, creating skilled athletes through training and development programs led by the Ministry of Sports. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to strengthen national teams and play a key role in advancing the National Sports Strategy 2031 objectives.
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
UAE School Games Finals kick off today with table tennis and girls' football competitions - Middle East Business News and Information
H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum highlighted the School Games Championship's role as a platform for nurturing champions and promoting community sports, led by record participation and robust competition. 2,686 students from 875 schools qualified for the final stage of the School Games Championship, which will be held in Dubai from May 20 to 24. A total of 4,696 students, including 3,036 boys and 1,660 girls, participated in the event's latest edition, marking the highest student turnout in the School Games project's history. The event witnessed intense competition for the top three spots across 12 key sports events, in a vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the UAE's commitment to developing school-level sports and empowering talents. The UAE School Games 2025 finale officially commenced today, attracting widespread participation from 2,686 students representing 875 schools. Held from May 20 to 24, this national-level event features 12 key sports categories, including football, swimming, athletics, judo, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, archery, fencing, badminton, laser shooting, table tennis, and chess. The finals officially began at 10:00 AM today, with the table tennis competitions and the Girls' football Matches taking place at Dubai Sports City. Swimming events are scheduled for tomorrow at the main pool of Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, starting at 9:00 AM. These events will include short-distance, mid-distance, and relay races to determine the champions of this year's edition. Athletic competitions will take place on May 22 at the track and field facility of James Modern Academy in Dubai, featuring various short, middle, and long-distance races, along with jumping and throwing events. The finals for the remaining nine sports categories will occur on May 24 at the North Halls of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. The closing ceremony and awards presentation will be held at 6 PM on the same day, attended by prominent sports figures, representatives of partners, and student parents. His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Institutions, highlighted the remarkable success of the latest edition of the UAE School Games Championship, exemplified by the widespread participation of both students and schools. A total of 4,696 students, including 3,036 boys and 1,660 girls from 875 schools across the Emirates, participated in the event, showcasing the UAE's strong commitment to enhancing the school sports sector through early talent identification and training. His Excellency further stated: 'The School Games play a critical role in nurturing future champions, and empowering Emirati athletes to shine on the world stage, achieving great success at the Olympics, as well as various continental and international levels. Such tournaments also help foster a culture of sports within the community by inspiring young people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This year's edition, in particular, has truly lived up to our expectations, due to impressive participation and the strong spirit of competition displayed by the students. As the finals commence, the nation's most talented young athletes will compete for the top spots and a chance to win gold, silver, and bronze medals.' The annual School Games Championship is organised by the UAE Sports Federation for schools and University Institutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee, and several sports federations and educational bodies. This strategic collaboration reflects ongoing cooperation between the sports and education sectors to support emerging athletic talents and achieve the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', which aims to increase the number of Emirati athletes qualifying for successive Olympic Games, with an ambitious target of more than 30 athletes set for the 2032 Olympics.
Gulf Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
UAE School Games 2025 begins with table tennis and soccer competitions
The UAE School Games 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday, attracting widespread participation from 2,686 students representing 875 schools. To be concluded on May 24, this national-level event features 12 key sports categories, including football, swimming, athletics, judo, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, archery, fencing, badminton, laser shooting, table tennis, and chess. The event began at 10am, with the table tennis competitions and the girls' football matches taking place at Dubai Sports City. Swimming events are scheduled for Wednesday at the main pool of Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, starting at 9am. These events will include short-distance, mid-distance, and relay races to determine the champions of this year's edition. Athletic competitions will take place on May 22 at the track and field facility of James Modern Academy in Dubai, featuring various short, middle, and long-distance races, along with jumping and throwing events. The finals for the remaining nine sports categories will occur on May 24 at the North Halls of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. The closing ceremony and awards presentation will be held at 6 PM on the same day, attended by prominent sports figures, representatives of partners, and student parents. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Sports Federation for School and University Institutions, highlighted the remarkable success of the latest edition of the UAE School Games Championship, exemplified by the widespread participation of both students and schools. A total of 4,696 students, including 3,036 boys and 1,660 girls from 875 schools across the Emirates, participated in the event, showcasing the UAE's strong commitment to enhancing the school sports sector through early talent identification and training. He further stated: 'The School Games play a critical role in nurturing future champions, and empowering Emirati athletes to shine on the world stage, achieving great success at the Olympics, as well as various continental and international levels. 'Such tournaments also help foster a culture of sports within the community by inspiring young people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This year's edition, in particular, has truly lived up to our expectations, due to impressive participation and the strong spirit of competition displayed by the students. 'As the finals commence, the nation's most talented young athletes will compete for the top spots and a chance to win gold, silver, and bronze medals.' The annual School Games Championship is organised by the UAE Sports Federation for schools and University Institutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the National Olympic Committee, and several sports federations and educational bodies. This strategic collaboration reflects ongoing cooperation between the sports and education sectors to support emerging athletic talents and achieve the goals of the 'National Sports Strategy 2031', which aims to increase the number of Emirati athletes qualifying for successive Olympic Games, with an ambitious target of more than 30 athletes set for the 2032 Olympics.
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Inspired by Dangal, backed by dad's faith, Rutuja Gurav wins wrestling gold on Khelo India Youth Games debut
Patna (Bihar)[India] May 15 (ANI): Wrestler Rutuja Santosh Gurav was just eight when her father, a construction labourer by profession and a sports enthusiast, took her to a wrestling academy, situated nearly two kilometres from their village Panchgaon, in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. For the next six months, the little girl was hesitant to take up the sport, but the real inspiration came when Rutuja's father made her watch Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal -- a movie based on wrestling and inspired by the lives of the Phogats. There was no looking back ever since. Over the past eight years, Rutuja dedicated herself completely to the sport, and so did Santosh Gurav, who stood like a shadow to her in wherever she has competed, cheering from the sidelines, even though he doesn't have much technical inputs about her sport. His presence, always at the sidelines, has been her silent strength. Rutuja's rise began with a gold at the Junior Nationals in 2021, a title she defended in 2022. A silver followed at the 2023 Nationals, and another gold at the School Games the same year. Last year, she made her international debut with a silver medal at the Junior Asian Championships in Thailand. Despite these accolades, life at home remains modest. Santosh, who earns around Rs 15,000 a month, relies on his wife's Rs6,000 income from her job as a grocery store helper to support their family of four, including Rutuja's elder sister, a law student. Participating in her maiden Khelo India Youth Games, Rutuja, standing at a little over five feet, was confident of a podium finish. For Santosh, however, winning a medal at the KIYG, Bihar, could ensure a steady cash flow for his young wrestler daughter. 'It gets difficult to run the family at times, there are lots of expenses. I usually work for 12 hours a day, sometimes overtime, to earn a few extra bucks. But I ensure that I do not miss any of her competitions, so during those days there's no income,' he explained. 'The Khelo India scholarship scheme is a blessing. With this support, our daughter can focus completely on her training. It'll help with her nutrition and equipment too,' he added. On Wednesday, the 16-year-old showed just why she's one of the brightest prospects in the sport. She started her U-17 girls' 46kg campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over Delhi's Khushi, followed by a 4-0 semifinal triumph against Bihar's Rupa Kumari. In the final, facing stiff resistance from Haryana's Annu, Rutuja kept her composure and surged in the closing moments to seal a 3-1 win and the gold. The bronze medals in the category went to Khushi (Delhi) and Kashish Gurjar (Rajasthan). Rutuja's win is not just a personal triumph, it's a symbol of grit, hope and a family's undying belief in dreams built through struggle. (ANI)
