Tunisia grab gold as rowing makes debut; Sharjah and Al Wasl lead volleyball event

Tunisia secured the first rowing gold medal in the ongoing Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026) after dominating the Double Sculls final on Monday at Al Hamriyah Beach, as the sport made its competitive debut in the eighth edition.

The Tunisian pairing of Yoldos Othmani and Wala Omri, representing the Nautical Sports Association Fishing School of Tabarka, delivered a commanding performance to win the final in 2:42.07, finishing clear of the field and setting the benchmark for rowing’s inaugural appearance at the tournament.

Saudi Rowing Training Centre claimed silver through the duo of Mariam Sami Kaki and Aljazi Ayad Alibrahim, who crossed the line in 2:55.43.

Egypt’s Mariam Abouelwafa and Salma Khaled Badour from Maadi Sporting & Yacht Club crossed the finish line in 2:46.50, securing the bronze medal after a competitive third-place race against Nautical Club Rabat Beach.

Commenting on their gold medal success, Tunisian champions Yoldos Othmani and Wala Omri said they were proud to secure rowing’s first AWST title: “Winning the first rowing gold medal in Sharjah is a historic moment,” the pair said. “It is the result of long-term work and intensive preparation, and we dedicate this achievement to Tunisia.”

Abdelaziz Oueslati, president of the Tunisian club, speaking alongside head coach Sofiane Saidi, said the team’s preparation had been focused and deliberate: “The Coastal Rowing Double Sculls gold medal represents a strong opening statement,” Oueslati said. “Our ambition continues as we target the single sculls event and aim to secure another podium finish.”

Meanwhile, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and Al Wasl underlined the strength of the Emirati presence in the volleyball competition at the eighth edition of the AWST on Sunday, each securing straight-sets victories to shape the latest standings. Lebanese Club Jeunesse Bauchrieh also registered their first win of the competition with a straight-sets victory over Syria’s Taldara Club.

The results left Sharjah Women’s Sports Club alone at the top of the standings with nine points from three matches, while Al Wasl and Kuwait’s Al Fatat sit level on six points each after three rounds. Iraq’s Akkad Ankawa Club and Lebanese Club Jeunesse Bauchrieh follow on three points apiece, with Syria’s Taldara Club still searching for their first points of the tournament.

Sharjah Women’s Sports Club extended their perfect performance with a composed straight-sets victory over Akkad Ankawa Club. The hosts closed out the match 25–18, 25–20 and 25–16, maintaining control throughout to consolidate their position at the top of the round-robin standings.

Al Wasl delivered a stellar performance with a 3–0 win over Al Fatat, handing the previously unbeaten side their first defeat of the tournament. The Emirati club claimed the match 25–23, 25–18 and 25–19, pulling clear after a tight opening set to move level with Al Fatat on six points.

In the day’s second match, Lebanese Club Jeunesse Bauchrieh secured their first win of the volleyball competition, sweeping past Syria’s Taldara Club in straight sets. The Lebanese side closed out the contest 25–18, 25–22 and 25–15, registering a controlled performance to open their account in the round-robin stage while Taldara remained without a point.