Doha: The UAE made history at the Asian Games yesterday when they claimed their first gold medal and narrowly missed winning another.
Fujairah's Mohammad Salem Abdullah Zahmi won that elusive gold medal when he pulled off a shock victory in the 65kg category at the men's bodybuilding competition.
After qualifying with the best score yesterday morning, Zahmi continued to show good form by clinching gold with a winning total of 21 points.
He beat off strong competition from Malaysia's reigning world champion Sazali Abd Samad who took silver with 24.
Moments earlier in the shooting competition, Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum narrowly missed winning the gold in the men's skeet individual competition. He was beaten in a shootoff by Kuwaiti marksman Salal Al Muttairi after the two finished level at 147 points.
Shaikh Saeed admitted that he was unlucky not to win the gold but said that he was "happy to win the silver medal" and do the UAE proud.
An oiled-up Mohammad Salem Abdullah Zahmi impressed judges so much that he beat off strong competition from Malaysia and Macau as well as neighbours Bahrain and Oman.
Entered in the 65kg category, Zahmi went into the final ranked in first place, but separated from second-ranked Sazali Abd Samad from Malaysia by just one point.
So it was all to play for in the free pose element of the competition. As an RnB song blared from the sound system, Zahmi performed a series of poses in time with the music, designed to show off the definition and symmetry of his muscles.
He was followed on stage by Sazali and then Ka Lap Chong from Macau. The athletes were then required to complete a series set poses at the same time, followed by a period of 'pose down' which is not judged but allows the bodybuilders to perform for spectators.
Zahmi and coach Ali Mohammad then faced a nail-biting wait while the eight-strong panel of judges deliberated on their decision.
But Zahmi should not have worried. When the result was announced the gap between him and the Malaysian had increased to three points with Zahmi on 21, Sazali on 24 and third-placed Chong trailing with 50 points.
The young Emirati received a standing ovation from members of the UAE National Olympic Committee as he stepped onto the highest podium the first time an athlete from the UAE has done so at the Asian Games.
As the national anthem of the UAE sounded around the Al Dana Banqueting Hall where the event was held, Zahmi turned to face his country's flag and closed his eyes; savouring the moment; he later admitted that he almost cried.
Afterwards a delighted Zahmi, biting his shiny gold medal, said: "Every night I was dreaming of achieving this medal. I am proud that I can offer it to the people of my country."
The NOC's Dr Moussa Abbas said that the UAE was proud of Zahmi. "He was competing for his country and he will receive a special message from President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his efforts for his country."
Broad smile
And Zahmi's coach, Ali Mohammad, a former Gulf body building champion himself, could not keep a broad smile off his face.
"I am very happy," he said, head in hands. "Very, very happy. We have been training for this for so long and worked so hard and now we have achieved it."
In preparation Zahmi drank no water and ate no carbohydrates for three days before the competition and then just before the event he loaded up on carbohydrates in an effort to "pump" his muscles.
More UAE medal hopes take to the body building stage today with Salem Ganem Humaid Al Shamsi in the 80kg class and Ammar Khames Salem Al Khansoori in the 85kg category.
"It is our goal to win more medals," said Ali Mohammad.
Result Men's -65kg: 1st. Mohammad Salem Abdullah Zahmi (UAE). 2nd. Sazali Samad (Malaysia).3rd. Ka Lap Chong (Macau).
Your comments
Thanks to Zahmi and his coach Ali Mohammad for winning that gold medal for us. My heartiest congratulations to the rulers of the UAE and the people for this achievement.
Mohammad
Ajman,UAE
I congratulate Mr Zahmi for giving the United Arab Emirates a good name in the Asian Games.
Abshir
Dubai,UAE
Mabrook to Mohammad Salem Abdullah Zahmi. He has done the UAE proud. All the best to the other participants.
Max
Sharjah,UAE
Zahmi has done a wonderful job for his country. I am also enjoying his achievement.
Raiju
Kerala,India
Bravo, UAE! This will create closer ties and leave a good impression to other countries.
Sorena
Montreal,California
Staying in UAE, I am proud of such a commitment and achievement from a UAE national.
Jacob
Dubai,UAE
