The UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) yesterday signed an agreement with former Olympic gold medallist Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammad bin Hasher Al Maktoum to coach the shooting team that will participate in the London Games.
Three UAE shooters have qualified for the Games – Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Skeet, Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum in double trap and Dhaher Al Eriani in trap.
Sheikh Ahmad, who won the gold in double trap at Athens 2004 to become the only Emirati Olympic medal winner, was forced to abort his plans for London himself due to a heart condition and had instead been working with Sheikh Juma in an unofficial capacity until yesterday.
“The shooting team will be officially led by Sheikh Ahmad,” Mohammad Al Kamali, UAE NOC secretary general, told a news conference yesterday.
“He has immense experience that goes beyond his shooting skills and we are sure our team will benefit greatly from him. Today, we officially sign with him but he has already been in the field with our shooters for years, and we would like to thank him for accepting this role.
“He is a national Olympic symbol for us, and he brings a high level of professionalism to the sport. The gold medal he won placed the UAE on the sports map. The fact that we now have three shooters qualified is a huge step in the right direction.”
Sheikh Ahmad said he was thrilled to take on the role, adding: “Sheikh Saeed has been to the Olympics three times before and has the most experience as a shooter, so his chances of a medal are the highest I believe.
“Sheikh Juma has a smaller chance, and that gradually trickles down to Dhaher. Right now, we are focusing more on mental preparation rather than technical.”
Meanwhile, Al Kamali also discussed the latest news on the UAE athletes, including a historic qualification spot claimed by Abu Dhabi-based judoka Humaid Al Derei.
Al Derei, 20, travels to Slovenia on June 30 to compete in a pre-Olympic event and is the first Emirati to qualify by points to the Games, rather than by wildcard invitation.
Al Kamali also revealed that sailor Adil Khaled is the latest addition to the UAE Olympic contingent following some stellar results in the Laser Standard competitions.
Some 30-34 Emiratis have officially registered for the Olympics, with July 9 the last day for registration.
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
