Sport | Other Sports

UAE Olympic officials rue lack of support

Top officials of the UAE's National Olympic Committee yesterday expressed frustration over the "lack of support" from some government institutes in releasing athletes to take part in international competitions.

  • By Fuad Ali and Sarah Tregoning, Staff Reporters
  • Published: 23:35 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • The UAE showjumping team (from left): Al Muhairi, Al Merri, Shaikha Latifa and Al Kumaiti, during the victory ceremony at the 15th Asian Games in Doha.
  • Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News

Fujairah/Doha: Top officials of the UAE's National Olympic Committee yesterday expressed frustration over the "lack of support" from some government institutes in releasing athletes to take part in international competitions.

They were referring to the controversy over Mohammad Salem Abdullah Zahmi, the UAE's first-ever Asian Games gold medallist, who returned home yesterday.

Ebrahim Ebrahim Abdul Malek, Secretary-General of the Olympic Committee, said: "There are employment laws already in existence which give athletes the right to take paid leave from work if they are representing the nation in international events, but it is not adhered to by many institutes."

Zahmi returned home to a grand welcome and was received by His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, at his palace.

Meanwhile, the UAE showjumping team of Shaikha Latifa Bint Ahmad Bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Mohammad Abdullah Al Merri and Mohammad Al Kumaiti added a bronze medal to their tally.

Shaikha Latifa said: "When we came, we just wanted to gain some experience. We were not concentrating on getting medals because this is the Asian Games. We are very happy."

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