Fujairah to host international Taekwondo Championship and Arab Cup next month

Cementing its legacy as a major sports hub, Fujairah will host the prestigious 10th edition of the region's biggest international Taekwondo Championship next month.

Ahead of the Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship, the emirate will also organise the third edition of the Arab Taekwondo Championship.

Both the much-anticipated championships are being held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hammad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

The details of the two big events were announced in a press conference held at the Fujairah Martial Arts Club.

The press conference was attended by Dr. Ahmad Hamdan Al Zyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, Abdulaziz Buhindi, of General Authority of Sports, Abdullah Al Samahi, Secretary General of the UAE Taekwondo Federation; and Nader Abu Shawish, Tournament Director.

Attracting the best players from across the world, the championships will witness the participation of athletes from 36 countries.

The Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship, ranked G2, will take place from Feb.5 to Feb.8, while the Arab Taekwondo Championship, classified as G1, will be held on Feb.2 and 3.

Dr Ahmad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, hailed the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, which coincided with the organisation of the tenth edition of the International Taekwondo Championship.

He thanked the Crown Prince of Fujairah for his continuous support to help promote Taekwondo in the UAE.

Expressing delight over the stupendous growth of the Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship, Dr Ahmad said: "The event is paving the way for elite players from around the world to compete here, and the event has also raised the level of competition."

He also expressed his happiness at hosting the Arab Taekwondo Cup, describing it as a special event that has given a platform to local and regional players to sharpen their skills.

Samahi, the organising committee's vice chairman, expressed his pride in the Emiratis' participation in the two tournaments.

He confirmed the participation of 33 players, including 18 male and 15 female players, from the UAE clubs in the championships.

Samahi exuded confidence in the UAE players' ability to perform well in both events, earn positions on the podium, and win medals.

He said the events would give a further boost to Taekwondo, which is fast spreading among Emiratis and residents.

Shawish, the tournament director, revealed that 722 players representing 20 countries will compete in the Arab Taekwondo Championship, which is the biggest tournament in history.

Additionally, the Arab Taekwondo Championship has also attracted a group of Olympians, including Jordan’s Saleh Al Sharabati, who won the silver medal at the Tokyo Games 2020, and Egypt’s Saif Issa, who won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games 2020.

"The championship and the participation of 1364 male and female players representing 36 countries in the tenth Fujairah Championship, including 314 male and female players from the UAE, in addition to the participation of 44 female players from the Fujairah Club, reflect the interest of the UAE's wise leadership in promoting Emirati women’s sports," said Shawish.