Doha: Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will start her campaign in the 15th Asian Games today when she takes part in the Kumite above 60 kg category karate event at the Qatar Sports Club indoor sports hall.
Having received a bye in the pre-quarterfinals, Shaikha Maitha will meet the winner of the pre-quarters between Rehab Sawaya of Lebanon and Abrar Al Sayed of Kuwait. Should she win, Shaikha Maitha will be up against the likes of Kazakhstan, Jordan and Indonesia in the semifinals.
"The competition will not be easy against the Asian champions who have prepared well for this event," said Shaikha Maitha. The draw on Monday which took her to the quarterfinals, by her own admission, was pure luck.
"I was lucky to reach the quarters without playing. However, I have to give my maximum in all the matches and spare no effort to raise the UAE flag in Doha," Shaikha Maitha said.
Meanwhile, the UAE delegation lodged its protest with the Olympic Council of Asia over the dismissal of teenager Haya Samir Juma, for being under-age. Juma took part in women's individual Kata quarterfinals against Peelige Sanjeewani of Sri Lanka.
Born on November 8, 1993, Haya is still 13 years old and the officials kept her out of the competition and her Sri Lankan opponent qualified for the semifinals. The OCA will decide on the matter today.
Meanwhile, the UAE karate men's team got into business yesterday with Mohammad Khamis Al Meshrikh pitted against Korean Sung Hu Park in the under 60-kg category. Other members of the karate men's team will feature in action today.
Other events
The UAE handball team finished 10th after they were defeated 31-29 by Lebanon in the play-off match held at the Al Gharafa club indoor sports hall yesterday.
In chess, the UAE lost 2-1 to Bangladesh in the sixth round held on Monday.
Abdullah Hasan Al Hammadi was the only UAE player to win his game when he beat Reefat Bin Sattar, while Talib Moussa and Noora Mohammad Saleh both lost their games. Talib lost to Enamul Hussain while Noora lost to Samima Akter.
