Nothing is impossible for UAE’s young athletes

Cautious optimism must be exercised when expectations are placed upon the 26-member UAE contingent that will represent the country at the London Olympics. At the same time officials must use this moment to spot talent and invest in long-term planning to help them reach suitable standards, especially in individual disciplines.

Much will be expected from the shooters and, more importantly, the football squad that has so often raised the bar through their performances. The football squad have been placed in a tough group — Great Britain, Senegal and Uruguay — but success will be sweeter if they qualify for the knockout phase.

Nothing is impossible for this young team. They have justified their potential, and ability to withstand pressure, through performance repeatedly. The shooters have pedigree given that they have come through qualification. The UAE won its first-ever Olympic gold in shooting and therefore it is reasonable to expect.

The Olympics, however, are about more than sporting performances. Effort and fair play is recognised irrespective of the result. It is the stage upon which a country presents the best it has to offer through the field of fair competition.

The UAE is second to none in this category. The entire country stands behind this group of athletes.