Dubai: Shaikh Ahmad Mohammad Hasher Al Maktoum will be heading the UAE's medal hopes at the Beijing Olympics.
The nation's lone Olympic gold medalist hope to repeat his Athens 2004 performance and defend his title.
"I will go and defend the gold I won in Athens, just to ensure that the UAE flag is unfurled for a second time," Shaikh Ahmad told Gulf News before his departure to China.
But he added: "I admit that I have not been through the best preparations for such an important event."
The UAE shooter made history four years ago when he became the first UAE athlete to win an Olympic gold medal when he came first in the double trap shooting event.
He returned to a rousing reception after his Olympic success, but somehow the sport never took off among the youth of the UAE.
Shaikh Ahmad has repeatedly blamed the UAE Shooting Association for the low interest in shooting in the country.
He said: "I won the gold and they gave it away, but I will still go and defend my medal in Beijing."
Guiding his second quest for gold is former Olympic medallist Josh Lakhatos of the US.
"I don't feel guilty for what I have achieved. I've done what was humanly possible for me to get people interested in this sport.
"I shouted, I screamed and people did not like that. But if I don't scream for my country, then what am I supposed to do?" said the marksman.
Second chance
Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been identified as the UAE's second medal hope in the taekwondo.
The martial arts specialist, who won the 2006 Asian Games karate silver in the women's over 60kg category, has been working toward the Games for the last two years.
"The Olympics is like a dream for me. My preparations started a day after I returned from the Asian Games," said Shaikha Maitha.
She has adhered to a strict training programme during the run-up to Beijing.
National squads from Morocco, Italy, Turkey and Egypt came and trained in Dubai to help Shaikha Maitha achieve her dream of a medal.
"I have tremendous respect for all the competitors who are coming to the Olympic Games. They have had a headstart since I started so late. But I hope the amount of hard work and dedication I have put in will reward the country with a medal," she said.
Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum will compete in the Skeet shooting, while Shaikha Latifa Bin Ahmad Al Maktoum participates in the individual show jumping being held in Hong Kong.
Obaid Al Jasmi will aim for a new UAE record in the 100 metres freestyle, while Adil Khalid competes in the Laser class sailing competition.
Omar Al Salfa is set to compete in the 100 metres and Saeed Al Qubaisi will be in the under-73kg judo competition.
