Sheikha Hayat Bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa and Hanan Al Mahmoud in a group photo with the speakers at the first edition of the Excel conference 2024.

Doctors and medical scientists specialising in sports medicine have stressed that artificial intelligence will radically transform the sports sector by developing players’ skills, monitoring their performance in training, and reducing their injury rates.

They pointed out that integrating technology in sports will provide coaches and sports technicians with advanced options and analytics that will help enhance the performance levels of players and teams.

This occurred during the international conference, ‘Excel: Women’s Sports in Sharjah, From Aspiration to Professionalism,’ organised by Sharjah Women Sports (SWS) at the University of Sharjah on Wednesday under the title ‘The First International Conference on Women’s Sports Medicine and Sciences: A Future Vision for Establishment, Development, and Achievement,’ coinciding with the ongoing 7th edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2024) taking place from Feb.2-12 in the emirate.

The conference was attended by Sheikha Hayat Bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, President of the Equal Opportunities Committee at the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees; Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Dr Abdulaziz Al Noman, Adviser of Sharjah Women Sports; Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of the Higher Steering Committee at AWST 2024; Moza Al Shamsi, Member of the Higher Steering Committee at AWST 2024; Mohammad Al Jarwan, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Medical District, in addition to more than 100 experts, doctors, athletes, officials, and media representatives.

The greatest accomplishments are those that are most beneficial and sustainable. During the conference, Hanan Al Mahmoud said: “Guided by the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, we are reminded that the essence of sports extends beyond skill display, entertainment, or victory.

“It is about elevating society through exemplary practices in the field, fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and achievement among athletes. This embodies Sharjah’s vision and fuels our commitment to relentless progress and achievement.”

She added: “This event stands out for its developmental impact, directly linked towards advancing women’s sports and addressing the sector’s specific needs and demands.

“We aim for the conference to evolve into a sustainable platform, convening biennially over the next decade, to spotlight cutting-edge scientific and practical research that adds significant value and positively influences women’s sports in the UAE and the region.”

The first-of-its-kind event in the Middle East brought together Dr. Guillaume Millet, a professor at Jean Monnet University in St-Etienne, France; Prof. Laurent Bosquet, who holds a PhD in physical activity sciences and a doctorate in science from Université de Montréal; Dr. Richard Heubert, a holder of a PhD in training physiology; Dr. Mohamed Houcem, a graduate of Lyon Hospices Civils with expertise in interventional cardiology from Paris Descartes; Dr. Nadia Gaoua, a clinical and sports psychologist with more than 20 years of teaching, research, and industry experience; Dr. Rim Maaoui, Associate Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tunis Medical University; and Prof. Fatma Hegazy, former Chair of the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Sharjah.

The conference sessions sparked a compelling debate on the pivotal question: Do humans or technology hold the upper hand in enhancing athletic performance?

The consensus among speakers was unequivocal: the coach’s role is indispensable in an athlete’s success. Yet, the power of technology cannot be underestimated.

It was highlighted that technology doesn’t just support the coach’s work — it amplifies it, providing a sophisticated toolkit for achieving unparalleled results. The onus is on the coach to master this synergy, leveraging technology to push the boundaries of athletic excellence.

The discussion highlighted a critical stance on sports nutrition: athletes should avoid dietary supplements unless absolutely essential.

Speakers stressed the value of sourcing vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, spotlighting the vital role of vitamin D. Maintaining optimal levels of this nutrient is non-negotiable, given its direct link to boosting athletic performance.