UAE show jumping team clinch bronze at 19th Asian Games

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE show jumping team clinched the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games, the nation’s first Asian Games team medal since 2010, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the sport.

UAE riders Abdulla Al Marri on James VDO Heihoef, owned by Al Shira'aa, Omar Al Marzouqi riding Dalida VD Zuuthoeve, owned by Al Shira'aa, Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi riding Diamond Way, owned by Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri riding G's Fabian, owned by Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri, jumped two clear rounds finishing on 0 penalties to secure their place in an all GCC jump-off against Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Against the clock, the team, who have already secured qualification for the 2024 Olympics and achieved tremendous success this summer on the European circuit, put on a stellar performance to finish third to settle for bronze, with reigning Asian Games gold medallists Saudi taking gold and Qatar silver.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate the whole county, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for his full and continuous support, and to Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and head of the UAE Equestrian Federation. And, of course, special thanks to Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa for making our dreams come true.

“It wasn’t an easy competition, and we fought hard for Gold, but we’re very proud of our performance,” said 20-year-old Marzouqi, one of the youngest riders in the competition.

Suwaidi added, “I would like to thank Sheikha Fatima for all the support over the past few months, and for supporting my brothers and teammates over the years. It was my first time riding as part of the national team at the Asian Games, and it was a big challenge but a small and positive step in our journey to the Paris Olympics 2024.

“We tried our best and are extremely happy to bring a medal home for our country. This medal is not only for us riders but for the whole team behind the scenes who work so hard to keep the horses in top condition.”