ABU DHABI Emirates Palace was the perfect backdrop for fencers participating in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy Fencing Tournament on Monday. Despite the weather being slightly harsh during the early part of the one-day tournament, the fencers were undeterred as they stuck to their tasks watched by a modest crowd who kept cheering their every move.
The event, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and supported by UAE Fencing Federation, did achieve the target of promoting the sport among Emirati women and encouraging more to join in the coming years, according to the organisers.
“This is the second edition and we have certainly seen an increase in numbers this year. We had 35 players competing and we are confident of seeing an increase in numbers in the future,” Huda A Al Matroushi, Member of the board of directors of UAE Fencing Federation, told XPRESS.
A total of seven clubs (Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, MK Fencing Academy, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Fitness Program, Sharjah Ladies Club, Al Shabab Al Arabi Club and Baniyas Club) from across the UAE participated in the event which offered a cash prize of Dh10,000 for the winner, Dh7000 for the runner-up and Dh 5,000 each for fencers who finished third.
“This tournament gives the girls good exposure and also allows them to challenge themselves in a competitive environment. Bringing together fencers from different clubs can help them understand and learn the game better by watching their counterparts.
“This will also enhance their self confidence as they prepare for bigger tournaments at the international arena. The quality of the tournament has been highly impressive,” she added.
Huda said the federation would focus on holding more such tournaments. “We are a young federation which is just six years old. We are growing steadily and don’t want to rush. We have big plans and we will have tournaments across the UAE and give more opportunities to girls here.
“We currently have a strong pool of talented fencers and also good trainers, so we should be looking at expanding the number and try to work on those who can come out with flying colours when representing at the international level,” she said.
Head coach and President of MK Fencing Academy, Mihail Kouzev said: “Such tournaments are great as they encourage female fencers. We thank the organisers for organising such a wonderful tournament. I hope more such events happen and it’s necessary if we would like to see our fencers do well at the international level.
“We are the first fencing private academy in the UAE having started in 2002 but we have seen quite a few come up thereafter which is a good sign. I hope there is more support from the government for this sport,” he added.
