Latest news with #SPIA
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
FMAC wins SPIA Middle East 2025 Award for Best Sports Event of 2024
In a remarkable sporting achievement that highlights its organizational excellence and professionalism, Fujairah Martial Arts Club was awarded the Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) Middle East 2025 for Best Sports Event of 2024, in recognition of the outstanding success of the 11th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship. The event attracted over 2,000 athletes from across the globe and stood out as a premier sporting platform on both regional and international levels. This prestigious recognition is a reflection of the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and President of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, whose strategic direction continues to elevate Fujairah's status as a global destination for elite sports events. The award ceremony took place at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of key figures from the regional sports sector, decision-makers from across the Mena region, and representatives from leading media outlets. The award was supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, underscoring the institutional synergy in celebrating and empowering sporting excellence in the region. The category featured strong competition from globally recognized events, including the DP World Tour Championship, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, further affirming the prominence of the Fujairah Open among the region's top-tier sports organizers, and the growing global recognition of Fujairah as a leader in sports event management. Commenting on the award, Nader Abushawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, stated: 'We proudly dedicate this award to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the visionary leader and primary supporter of sports in Fujairah. This recognition crowns years of dedicated work and seamless team coordination, and reflects the international sports community's trust in our standards of excellence.' The Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship (G2) is regarded as one of the most prestigious combat sports events globally, attracting top athletes and international referees to highly competitive matches. Each year, it offers participants the opportunity to push the limits of excellence and determination in the sport of Taekwondo. In 2025, the championship made history by entering the Guinness World Records, with a record-breaking 2,332 participants, earning the title of the world's largest international Taekwondo competition by participation. Founded in 2012, the SPIA Middle East Awards are held under the patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and serve as the region's official platform to honor influential leaders, organizations, facilities, and initiatives that contribute to the development of the sports industry in the Middle East.
The Star
22-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Additional funds to rid S'gor of ‘ikan bandaraya'
SUCKERMOUTH catfish, better known locally as ikan bandaraya (Hypostomus plecostomus), is an invasive species that has been linked to the decimation of local river fish species. It is said to have also affected the river ecosystem and been linked to the erosion of riverbanks by burrowing holes in them. To put a stop to this, Selangor government introduced last September an incentive of RM1 for every kilogramme of suckermouth catfish caught. SPIA members and Universiti Teknologi Mara student volunteers casting a fishing net in a search-and-destroy mission to get rid of 'ikan bandaraya' from Sungai Buloh during the recent initiative. State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the state had allocated up to RM50,000 for ikan bandaraya catch, for that specific month. The effort by Selangor Fisheries Department has been effective to the extent that over 20,000 tonnes of the fish was caught. Selangor Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar said the department had been given an allocation of RM120,000 this year to continue the programme. Noraisyah: Our efforts will come to nought if people continue releasing invasive species into our waterways. She advised ikan bandaraya hunters to look out for the department's event announcement on the incentive. 'Claims can only be made for ikan bandaraya caught at where the RM1 incentive programme is taking place. 'The RM1 incentive will be given on the day itself after fisheries staff weigh the catch,' she said during a recent ecosystem conservation programme at Kampung Melayu Batu 13 in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. To indicate how serious the problem of invasive foreign species have become in local rivers, she said over one tonne of the invasive fish was caught within two days by department staff and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student volunteers during the programme. Mohd@Manan with the 'ikan bandaraya asam pedas' he cooked for lunch. The search-and-destroy mission was done with help from members of Squad Pemburu Ikan Asing (SPIA), a non-governmental organisation of anglers who caught the fish by casting nets in the river. SPIA chairman Mohd Haziq A. Rahman, 35, described the problem as a serious one, based on the quantity of the catch. 'The distance of Sungai Buloh (the river), which flows into the Straits of Malacca, covers up to 40km. 'However, our catch-radius in the programme held at Kampung Melayu Batu 13 covered a distance of no more than 100m. Mohd Haziq showing the suckermouth catfish haul during the two-day programme. 'It must also be remembered that the duration of the ikan bandaraya-catching exercise was only 1.5 hours per day for the two-day programme,' he said. Under normal circumstances, he said an angler would have to wait at least an hour to land a catch. The fastest would be 30 minutes, if the angler was very lucky. However, in the ikan bandaraya-infested waters near Kampung Melayu Batu 13, three people were able to net up to 661kg on the first day. On day two, the catch was 477kg with help from student volunteers and three SPIA members, Mohd Haziq said. Since last year, the Selangor Fisheries Department has caught about 20,946 tonnes of ikan bandaraya. At the event, department staff said the fish would be turned into compost. A Squad Pemburu Ikan Asing team member reaching into a hole in the river bank where 'ikan bandaraya' burrow and mate. The hole is a whole arm's length-deep. Village head Mohd@Manan Awang, who is an eatery owner, cooked ikan bandaraya asam pedas for the volunteers' lunch. One of the volunteers who tried the dish was UiTM Associate Professor Dr Seca Gandaseca from the Faculty of Applied Sciences. 'The texture is similar to stingray, but firmer,' he said. Although several of the fisheries staff said the meat and roe were safe for consumption (provided the head, gills and guts were discarded), the challenge was in cutting through its thick armour. The 100m-catch radius for 'ikan bandaraya' along the river in Kampung Melayu Batu 13, Sungai Buloh. Urging the public to refrain from freeing their aquarium fish into waterways, Noraisyah said the Selangor Fisheries Department had released a million fish fry over the past three years in a bid to repopulate rivers with local species. 'However, our efforts will come to nought if the public continue to pollute our waters with invasive species that will destroy the local fish population and put them in danger of extinction,' she said.
Sport360
15-05-2025
- Business
- Sport360
SPIA to make Abu Dhabi debut, marking new era for Middle East sport
Sports Industry Awards [SPIA] is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time, signaling a bold new chapter for the Middle East's premier celebration of sporting excellence. Since its inception in 2012, SPIA has proudly recognised achievements across individuals, entities, facilities and campaigns that have driven the growth of sport throughout the region. Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is Strategic Partner for May 20's glittering 12th edition at the capital's Space42 Arena, with further support provided by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event is organised by Sport360X – a leading digital publisher and sports consultancy agency – and Interact, a social impact and marketing agency. Hospitality packages are still available on the official SPIA website for 2025's gala evening, which will reveal winners across 19 competitive categories selected via an independent judging process. This prestigious event provides a stage to celebrate exceptional achievements, connect with industry leaders and highlight the latest innovations shaping the world of sport. Bassam Nawfal, Managing Director of Sport360X, said: 'We're thrilled to present the 12th edition of SPIA, an especially significant occasion as we host the event in Abu Dhabi for the very first time. 'This exciting new chapter would not have been possible without the outstanding support of Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, plus our other partners and sponsors, to whom we extend our sincere gratitude. 'Sport in the Middle East continues to thrive, and we are proud to have received an exceptional array of submissions from visionary organisations and remarkable individuals. The innovative Space42 Arena sets the stage for what promises to be a landmark celebration of sporting excellence in the region. 'At Sport360X, we are honoured to carry the responsibility of awarding the industry's finest through a transparent, fair and meticulous judging process. 'SPIA has grown into the region's leading sports industry celebration and we can't wait to welcome you all on May 20.' The judging process for SPIA is marked by thoroughness and transparency – and 2025's edition was no different. Since the inception of the Awards, each submission has undergone rigorous assessment, measured against defined criteria by a panel with extensive expertise across various areas of the sports sector, ensuring the process is conducted with the highest levels of integrity and fairness. Transparency is of utmost importance, with 16 judges following a systematic and impartial approach to guarantee a fair playing field for all entrants. These included H.H. Princess Nouf AlSaud (General Manager – Marketing, Ministry of Sport Saudi Arabia), H.E. Ali Al Ali (CEO & Board Member, Dubai Racing Club), Richard Scudamore (Former Executive Chairman & CEO, Premier League) and Marina Storti (CEO, WTA Ventures). Through careful deliberation and constructive discussion, the panel selects worthy winners who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions within their respective fields. Gold Sponsors for SPIA 2025 are Motus One and Plan B. Marca return as Media Partner, giving the event access to a network of more than 93 million monthly unique users at one of the world's greatest publications. MG – Inter Emirates Motors Subsidiary of Ali & Sons Holding – have signed up as Silver Sponsors. ABOUT THE ORGANISERS Sport360X Sport360X has been telling the Middle East's very best sports stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike. Access is provided to more than 15m followers on Sport360X's native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12m monthly page views. Interact Interact was founded in 2014 from a bold vision to inspire a healthier, more active generation. As the owners of the Sports Industry Series, Interact partners with leading brands and government bodies to embed healthy behaviours deep within communities. Their work spans the design, delivery and promotion of impactful, large-scale initiatives and events that boost physical activity, support healthier eating, and improve mental well-being across diverse population. Sport Industry Series October 2024's game-changing partnership saw Interact's Sport Industry Forum and Sport360X's SPIA come together under Sport Industry Series. By combining the skills and network of both organisations, this union creates even greater value for the region's sport sector.
