The United Arab Emirates Show Jumping Team has clinched the Bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games, the nation’s first Asian Games team medal since 2010, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the world of show jumping.
UAE riders Abdulla Al Marri on James VDO Heihoef, owned by Al Shira’aa, Omar Al Marzouqi riding Dalida VD Zuuthoeve, owned by Al Shira’aa, Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi riding Diamond Way, owned by Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri riding G’s Fabian, owned by Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri, jumped two clear rounds finishing on 0 penalties to secure their place in an all GCC jump-off against KSA and Qatar.
“First of all, I’d like to congratulate the whole county, especially H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for his full and continuous support, and to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation. And, of course, special thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa for making our dreams come true. It wasn’t an easy competition, and we fought hard for Gold, but we’re very proud of our performance,” said 20-year-old Omar Al Marzouqi, one of the youngest riders in the competition.
Salem Al Suwaidi added, “I would like to thank H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa, for all the support over the past few months, and for supporting my brothers and teammates over the years. It was my first time riding as part of the National team at the Asian Games, and it was a big challenge but a small and positive step in our journey to the Paris Olympics 2024. We tried our best and are extremely happy to bring a medal home for our country. This medal is not only for us riders but for the whole team behind the scenes who work so hard to keep the horses in top condition.”
“It was a great experience and a tough competition, with KSA and Qatar bringing a strong team. We’re looking forward to the Olympics and are so grateful to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa for her unwavering support. And to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation, for their ongoing support. I hope we have made them proud today and that we continue to do so in the upcoming competitions,” said Sharjah-based Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri.
