UAE's Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi wins show jumping silver at Youth Olympic Games

Sport360 staff 17:26 14/10/2018
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  • Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi of UAE (left)

    Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi made history as he sealed the UAE’s first-ever Youth Olympic Games medal when he won silver in the show jumping event.

    Al Marzouqi finished second in Buenos Aires, behind champion Giacomo Casadei of Italy and ahead of Honduras’ Pedro Espinosa.

    Al Marzouqi dedicated his unique and first achievement to the UAE leadership and people

    “I take this opportunity to convey my thanks and appreciation to the H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces,” he said.

    Thanks are also due to the UAE rulers and crown princes for their unlimited support that always gives us the motivation to achieve the best results at all international forums. 

    I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the National Olympic Committee, steered by H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for its support to UAE citizens in all sporting events. Thanks to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of Fatima bunt Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, President of Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Women’s Club for her efforts in supporting show jumping and following up with all matters related to riders in this sport.”

    He added: “The competition was not easy. 30 riders from 30 different countries took part in the showjumping events. It was a huge pressure and challenge to all riders. Most riders were from leading schools in the game, and the form was praised by attendants

    “I have done my best in the team events, but was unlucky. But thanks God, I made the difference in the individual event and bagging the silver medal, the first in the history of the UAE participation in these youth games. I consider it just a beginning for more to come in the summer Olympic Games in the name of the UAE.”

    Abdul Aziz Al Marzouqi, the coach of the UAE national showjumping team was thrilled with the first UAE achievement.

    “I congratulate our leaders on this unique achievement of the talented rider Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi, the youngest rider in the completion and the second youngest rider in the Games. Omar exhibited his talents in no uncertain terms against the top competitors from the world over,” he said.

    “He led the individual events most of the time, but the Italian rider managed to clinch the gold medal as he was a late participant and has a better chance. Ultimately our efforts were rewarded with themedal for our country which has spared no effort to support us.”

    “Taking part in the second strongest Olympic Games for youngsters and making such an achievement is indicative of genuine talents of this budding talent. We have gained a lot of experience which was culminated by a medal and raising the flag of the nation. I would wish to thank Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bintHaza Al Nahyan for the generous support as well as the NOC and the Equestrian Federation.”

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