Abbas clinches historic first medal for UAE

Mohammed Abdullah Abbas won the first medal for the UAE at the international level when he clinched the bronze medal in the triple jump at the third IAAF World Youth Championships held in Sherbrooke, Canada from July 9-13.

This is the first medal for the UAE at the World level in the 27 years of existence of the UAE Athletics Federation.

Abbas jumped 15.55 metres in the finals held on Sunday on the final day of championship. The UAE champion bettered his jump in the final which helped him to win the bronze. In the semis, he had jumped 15.39 metres and was topping the list of finalists.

Danny Fernandez of Cuba won the gold with a distance of 15.77 and Mousa Qarqaran of Saudi Arabia took the silver with a 15.60 metre jump.

Mohammed Abdullah Abbas will return today to a warm reception here from UAE sports officials and the UAE Athletics Federation when he touches down at the Dubai Airport.

The United States clinched the top place in the medals standing with six gold, four silver and four bronze. Russia came in second with four gold, five silver and three bronze.

Kenya was third with three gold, four silver and two bronze. China was placed fourth and Saudi Arabia were fifth with two gold, three silver and two bronze.

Sudan and Morocco were the other Arab countries which won medals, each clinching one gold.

The UAE bronze medal claimed by Mohammed Abdullah added to the Arab countries' glory. The UAE athletics Federation will honour Abbas for his great achievement in Sherbrooke, Canada.