An Emirati leader with the start of the Gulf Swimming Championship in Abu Dhabi

Competitions for the 30th edition of the Gulf Swimming Championship began today at the Olympic Pool in the Sports Center of Mohammed Bin Zayed City, with the participation of 200 male and female swimmers representing six countries. This was organized by the Emirates Aquatic Sports Federation, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Aquatic Club, and the tournament will continue until next Sunday.

The UAE national team made a strong start after topping the medal table in the men’s and women’s categories during the first day, achieving 20 colored medals, 12 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze, confirming its readiness to compete for the title of the current edition.

Dr. Hussein Al Musallam, President of the International Aquatics Federation, and Abdullah Al Wahaibi, Chairman of the Business Committee of the Emirates Water Sports Federation, crowned the winners, in the presence of Faris Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee, Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee, Dr. Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Assistant Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Saeed Al Ajel, President of the Emirates Sports for All Federation, and Hamid Al Hoti, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Water Sports Club.

As for the rest of the team results, Kuwait came in second place with a total of 27 colored medals, divided into 11 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in third place with 20 medals, 5 gold, 10 silver, and 5 bronze. Bahrain came fourth with 8 medals, including 4 golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, then Qatar came fifth with 9 medals, including 4 silvers and 5 bronzes, while the Sultanate of Oman came in sixth place with four medals, divided into two silvers and two bronzes.

The championship competitions will continue in the coming days amid a strong competitive atmosphere that reflects the development of the level of Gulf swimming and the desire of the teams to enhance their medal collection.