UAE runner Noobi begins Tokyo Games campaign today

DUBAI: Mohammed Hassan Al Noobi, the UAE’S national team runner and the last member of the country’s five-member squad yet to compete at the Tokyo Olympics, lines up for the heats of the 100 metres on Saturday.

Noobi stressed that participating in the Olympic Games, like other athletes, is also a dream for him.

“Competing against the top athletes at the biggest tournament in the world gives you confidence. It also is a mater of pride for an athlete to represent the country. I extend my thanks and appreciation to the National Olympic Commitee, Athletics Federation, Sharjah Sports Council and all those who supported me in my path to reach at this level. I will try to give my best shot to make the nation proud,” he added.

Noobi atended a training camp in Bulgaria to get in shape ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. “Despite the short duration I benefited a lot from the training and helped me fine-tune my skills. I aspire to achieve good results for the UAE.”

The UAE Athletic Federation President, Major General Dr Muhammad Abdullah Al Murr, confirmed that according to the UAE’S vision, the federation has developed a strategy that would promote UAE sports around the world.

“The federation is currently working on developing a strategy for promoting the game, including providing support for clubs as well as promoting school sports. We have great confidence in the team’s runner Mohamed (Al Noobi), as we found enthusiasm,confidenceinhimtoachievegoodresults.

“At the end of our participation in the Olympics, the situation will be assessed and the appropriate plan will be drawn up, which will mainly aim to raise the level of athletes in the country in order to increase participation at international stage and achieve the desired results,” he added.

Engineer Azza Bin Sulaiman, Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the National Olympic Commitee, met Dr Hussein Al Musallam, President of the International Swimming Federation FINA.