Abdul Bari Al Qubaisi poses for a picture after winning bronze in the skydiving competition at the World Games.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
 
Abdul Bari Al Qubaisi, member of the national team for free parachuting and water skiing, gave the UAE the first medal in the 11th edition of the World Games hosted by Birmingham, US, after winning the bronze medal in the skydiving competition.

Qubaisi was able to win the medal after competing in 12 rounds held for over four days and encountering a number of difficulties, such as weather fluctuations and the loss of the main parachute during the third day’s competitions.

However, the player's determination of raising the UAE flag on the podium was stronger than all those circumstances that only increased his focus towards achieving his goal.

The French Cedric Vega Rios won the gold medal after finishing on top, and the American Nicholas Patch won the silver medal, while Qubaisi’s team-mate Cornelia Mihai settled for sixth spot.

The presentation ceremony, which was held at the Birmingham Wheels Park, was attended by Engineer Azza bint Sulaiman, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the National Olympic Committee, head of the UAE delegation participating in the World Games, and a number of representatives of the delegations of the participating countries.

Qubaisi stressed that his journey was not easy, especially when he lost his main parachute due to a technical defect.

“After the emergency occurred and the parachute was lost, I had no choice but to use the alternative parachute, and then I trained on using a new one that I could not get used to quickly, but with hard work and determination I was able to make such an achievement in the name of the UAE, and I know I could do better.

“The best 36 players in the world participated, and the competition was not easy, especially since tall trees surround the competition site, which makes it difficult for the player to land with a clear vision and determine the exact location, as well as change some of the competition laws in the speed and distance rounds.”

Qubaisi dedicated the achievement to the government and people of the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, for his unlimited support for air sports, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and to the Emirates Aerosports Federation headed by Nasr Hammouda Al Neyadi.

Mihai mentioned that the competitions were fierce due to the location's surrounding trees and the presence of other factors such as humidity and high air temperature.

She said: "I made a few mistakes in some rounds just like all the participants from different countries of the world, and unfortunately, I could not achieve a medal, but in the end, what matters is the name of the Emirates, and we succeeded in winning a medal regardless, and I am also happy for my colleague Abdul Bari Al Qubaisi for winning the bronze medal."

Engineer Azza hailed the achievement and added, "I am happy with the great success of our national team for skydiving and water skiing, as well as placing the UAE in the list of winning countries through participation and winning this medal, and we hope to repeat the same great achievement by winning more medals through our athletes participating in other games, including jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai or duathlon, and we are confident in the people of the Emirates to make the best results and raise the flag of the nation high in front of all participating countries."