UAE rower Al Matrooshi carries nation’s hopes of first medal

The UAE are pinning their hopes on the rowing team after another frustrating day without a medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang.

Hamad Al Matrooshi carries the nation’s hopes in the men’s lightweight single sculls repechage, while Ahmed Al Hammadi and Mibarak Al Yassi compete in the double sculls repechage on Day 4 of the Games today.

“I ran into some technical problems with the boat, but that has been attended to and hopeful of a good result,” said Al Matrooshi, who is optimistic that his teammates will do their nation proud.

“It’s been a bit frustrating that we haven’t been able to reach a medal round in any sport, but it can come at any time from now,” he added. “Aside from the rowing, we have strong chances in other sports.

“We have seen only three days of competition so far. There are a lot of medals to be won in the next 12 days.”

Al Matrooshi said the fact the UAE have sent to Indonesia their biggest squad in terms of numbers – 134 athletes participating in 23 disciplines – should count for something.

“There are a lot of expectations from our cyclists, jet-ski riders, judo, jiu-jitsu, shooters, equestrian team and the athletes.

“We are hoping we can return with a good haul of medals at the end of the Games,” he added.

Yesterday, Ahmed Al Ameeri and Othman Al Baluchi did not manage to get beyond the first round in the men’s 10m pistol.

Reem Al Shamma failed to win a single round against her five opponents in the women’s fencing Abdulla Al Hammadi endured a similarly disappointing day in the men’s event, also failing to win a round.