The 17-year-old jiu-jitsu fighter suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Abu Dhabi World Youth Cup in April on her final attempt in the juvenile category. That defeat leaves her still waiting for an elusive global gold but can make amends with the national team in September.
Her first task is to beat more than 60 hopefuls in making the final 12-person squad for the nine-day tournament in South Asia.
Despite strong competition, she remains positive.
“I have to put the final defeat (at Abu Dhabi World Youth Cup) behind me because that’s now in the past,” she said.
“Of course it was disappointing to lose but at the same time it will help me strive to get even better.
“First of all it’s not going to be easy to make the squad because all of us are strong. There are many girls here and we all have the same vision of representing the UAE. We are all united and I’m willing to work hard for this place.”
Another person also looking to claim a berth is Anood Saleh Al Marri. The Zayed University student has only been competing for one year but hopes her participation at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Cup will help her in good stead.
“It’s going to be tough but I will give my best,” she said. “I wasn’t at my best at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Cup and I still need to improve on my techniques. Inshallah, I can make the squad.”
