Abdulla Al Marri is hoping the UAE can keep up their streak by earning at least one medal in showjumping for a third consecutive Asian Games.
Al Marri is one of four showjumpers who will be representing the Emirates in Incheon. And while he seems confident about another successful campaign, he believes this will be the tightest competition for them to date at the quadrennial extravaganza.
The UAE showjumping team includes Al Marri, Mohamed Al Owais, Abdulla Al Muhairi and Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum, who won individual silver and team silver at the 2010 Games in Guangzhou.
Al Marri’s last participation in the Asian Games came in Doha 2006, where he and Sheikha Latifa were part of the team that won bronze.
For this year’s edition, Al Marri will be riding his mare Sierra Joter, and he hopes to make another appearance on the podium.
“The UAE got a team medal the last two times at the Asian Games, but the competition keeps getting stronger and stronger,” the 30-year-old told Sport360°.
“We have a good team. My mare is the youngest but I know her well enough, she’s been with me for four years already.
“Qatar and Saudi Arabia are, as usual, our main rivals but Korea are the hosts and they also have a good chance. It’s a matter of the best riders on the day will end up with the medals.
“This might be the closest competition we’ve ever had at the Asian Games – it’s particularly close between the east Asia nations.
“But I have a good feeling and we have a good spirit within our team. We all know each other very well and we’re optimistic.”
The Saudi Arabians are the two-time defending Asian Games champions and are considered heavy favourites especially after winning team Olympic bronze in London two years ago. They will be led by their star rider Abdullah Al Sharbatly, who won the Grand Prix in Lausanne last Sunday.
