World Sports Summit ends in Dubai uniting sport icons, administrators

The inaugural World Sports Summit, organised by the Dubai Sports Council under the guidance and patronage Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, concluded in Dubai.

The summit, themed “Uniting the World Through Sport,” stands as the largest event of its kind globally. It attracted over 1,500 prominent sports administrators, top club presidents, officials from international sports federations, organizations, and institutions, alongside iconic athletes and legends whose achievements in world championships and the Olympics continue to inspire people worldwide.

Through the two days of the World Sports Summit, 70 distinguished speakers, including sports administrators, champion athletes, and top executives of clubs associated with diverse sports, addressed the audience.

Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, affirmed that the World Sports Summit, held with the constant support of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, had succeeded in bringing the world together through a shared passion for sports.

It brought together sports sector leaders, decision-makers, champion sportspersons, and specialists in diverse sporting disciplines from approximately 50 countries on a global platform in Dubai.

The aim was to unify efforts, forge partnerships and enact legislation that will create a better future for sports and support its significant role in empowering communities and fostering increased cooperation and understanding between nations and peoples, he said.

The closing session of the World Sports Summit showcased an extraordinary gathering of six football legends, each a FIFA World Cup champion, who shared key moments from their illustrious international careers.

The discussion centered on the values of leadership, determination, and teamwork—qualities that defined their paths to global glory.

The panel featured France’s Didier Deschamps, Brazil’s Cafu and Ronaldo, Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro, and Spain’s Carles Puyol and Andres Iniesta, with Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero moderating the session.

Together, these footballing greats offered invaluable insights into the mindset and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Together, the six stars boast an outstanding record that includes 810 international appearances, 10 World Cup titles, 10 UEFA Champions League titles, 35 domestic league titles, and five Golden Boot awards.

Their achievements underlined that personal values, alongside technical skills, are the foundation for building champions and inspiring future generations.

The legends agreed that winning the World Cup was not the end of the journey, but the result of a long path of hard work and sacrifice, stressing that human values and sportsmanship are essential to true success.

Deschamps, who won the World Cup as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018, said the feeling of lifting the trophy remains the same despite the different roles.

He noted that teamwork is the key to success, describing France’s 1998 triumph over Brazil as a dream come true, while winning as a coach required greater focus and responsibility in every detail.

Cafu, captain of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team, said football is a way of life in Brazil, explaining that the 2002 squad had complete confidence and the ability to beat any opponent thanks to strong unity and clear tactics, unlike the circumstances surrounding the 1998 final.

Brazilian star Ronaldo recalled his remarkable comeback from a serious injury before the 2002 World Cup, stressing that determination and strong will helped him return to the pitch, lead Brazil to the title, and score eight goals, achieving a special personal milestone despite doubts over his ability to play again.

Italy’s Cannavaro, captain of the 2006 World Cup-winning team, said the title was not only about Italy’s defensive reputation, but about having a complete team and a coach who made the difference.

He added that the 2006 generation made the most of its final opportunity and expressed hope for Italy’s return to the World Cup after a comprehensive review of Italian football.

Puyol spoke about Spain’s 2010 World Cup success, noting that team spirit and cooperation between players from Real Madrid and Barcelona created perfect chemistry within the squad. Iniesta described the 2010 title as the greatest moment in Spain’s history, saying his winning goal in the final will remain unforgettable, and that the emotions of that achievement are still strong even after 15 years.

Fitness trainer Kayla Itsines discussed her journey from backyard workout videos to a 16-million-follower business, highlighting the importance of community, AI in training, and the value of trust and traditional methods.

Another session focused on the EuroLeague, with Dubai Basketball Club’s entry into the competition celebrated by Abdullah Al Naboodah, Tony Parker, and others, marking a milestone for the club’s future in European basketball.