Specialized clubs in Abu Dhabi…a qualitative leap in supporting talent and creating champions

ABU DHABI, 12 APRIL / WAM / Since the decision to establish them, the specialized sports clubs in Abu Dhabi have achieved a qualitative leap in terms of discovering and supporting promising talents in a number of Olympic Games, to be a founding nucleus for global champions during the coming period.

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, issued a decision on November 1, 2021, to establish 6 clubs specialized in Olympic sports, aiming to create a prominent turning point in the development of the sports sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The decision included the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Fencing Club, the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, the Abu Dhabi Weightlifting Club, the Abu Dhabi Bow and Arrow Club, the Abu Dhabi Water Sports Club, and the Abu Dhabi Tennis Club.

These clubs contributed to spreading specialized games and expanding the base of sports practice, in line with the vision of the Abu Dhabi government aimed at enhancing the quality of life and making sports a way of life for society, in addition to supporting the progress of national teams and providing them with talents capable of competing in regional and international forums.

The specialized clubs worked to attract various segments of society, including citizens and residents, with a focus on discovering and refining talents according to modern training programs, which was clearly reflected in the level of performance and results, as they succeeded in presenting promising models of players within a short period of time, thanks to a professional work system that relies on scientific planning and partnerships with schools and academies.

Over the past period, the achievements of these clubs have varied without exception, as the Abu Dhabi Water Sports Club has emerged as one of the successful models after topping the team standings in the Finswimming World Cup, which Abu Dhabi recently hosted, achieving 51 medals, in addition to achieving many achievements in international championships, and the emergence of distinguished talents such as swimmer Hussein Shawqi, who broke the Arab record for the 50-meter freestyle race.

In turn, the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club achieved remarkable results, the most prominent of which was obtaining 6 medals in the Arab Championship for Women’s Clubs in Sharjah, in addition to crowning the player Salma Haitham Al Marri with the first external gold in the history of women’s participation, in an achievement that reflects the development of the club’s technical base, supported by the harvest of 66 medals and 3 cups in local competitions, and the breaking of 5 state records. The club also worked to accredit 16 schools within the talent discovery project.

In weightlifting, the Abu Dhabi Weightlifting Club continued its brilliance, after winning two gold and silver medals in the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games, in addition to the contribution of its players to the national team in winning 24 medals in Arab and West Asian championships, in addition to many local achievements.

As for the Abu Dhabi Arch and Arrow Club, it recorded a historic achievement through player Hamed Al Hammadi, who won the silver medal in the World Championship for the U-13 category, becoming the first Emirati player to achieve this achievement in this category.

For its part, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council plays a pivotal role in supporting this system, by providing advanced infrastructure and specialized training facilities, in addition to launching programs and initiatives that contribute to developing technical and administrative performance, and enhance opportunities for interaction and gaining experience.

Hamid Al Hooti, ​​Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Water Sports Club, said that the specialized clubs in Abu Dhabi were able, in a short time, to place themselves in the position they deserve, both in terms of attracting promising talents and helping them achieve achievements at various levels.

Khaled Rashid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, stressed that the results and achievements reflect the amount of work expended, indicating that the club has a strong base of talent capable of achieving more achievements in the future.

He added that the club works according to a strategic vision that aims to attract the largest number of talented players, in order to select and support the best, to be an effective and real nucleus for the national teams.

For her part, Lubna Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Arch and Arrow Club, said that the great support that the specialized clubs received contributed effectively to their achievements during the last period, whether at the local or external level, noting that there are many talents that must be focused on.

She explained that the Abu Dhabi Arch and Arrow Club works in accordance with the vision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which aims to establish a new generation capable of reaching international championships and achieving achievements in them.

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