Karate coach blames lack of exposure for poor show

Mohammad Bin Ghulaitta, manager of the UAE national karate team in the first Islamic Solidarity Games under way in Saudi Arabia, said that his team's poor results did not come as a surprise.

"We are not surprised with the poor results due to lack of preparation. We cannot blame our players for they tried hard and did their best, but ran into well prepared opponents in such a strong tournament," said the UAE manager.

Bin Ghulaitta said that the UAE team couldn't take the full squad to Saudi Arabia. "Some of the best players were in Italy participating in another tournament. But the most important factor which led to this poor performance is that the players haven't taken part in any competition since last September when the GCC championship was held in Qatar. For about six months, the players didn't participate in any domestic or external competitions."

Bin Ghulaitta felt it would be unfair to expect such players without any exposure to achieve success when they take part in a tough tournament like the Islamic games with 55 countries.

"We also don't have a full time coach for the national team. The coach who came with us is from Heritage club and he joined us because he is the coach of the three players representing UAE."

The UAE team manager said that the difference between the UAE players and the others was only in preparation.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Ameri lost his last match in the karate 80 kg category when he squandered a 4-1 lead to lose the match in the last minutes to a Kuwaiti player.

Meanwhile, the UAE athletics team begin their participation today with Saber Bayaha in the discus throw. UAE are fielding just two athletes in the Games: Bayaha and Mohammad Abbas.

The swimming team will finish its participation today with three events: Obaid Ahmad in 200 metres freestyle, Khuwaiter Saeed in 50 metres backstroke and 50 metres freestyle.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Ameri of the UAE lost his last match in the 80 kg category ...