Sheikh Mansoor calls for collective efforts to sustain UAE’s sporting legacy

Dubai: Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the newly elected President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC), stressed the importance of collective efforts to uphold the UAE’s legacy of sporting excellence on the global stage.

Sheikh Mansoor emphasised the vision of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, during his 16-year presidency of the NOC. He also praised the remarkable efforts and constant endeavours of all former NOC presidents since its establishment in 1979.

“Sheikh Ahmed had a profound impact on the diverse achievements witnessed by the national Olympic movement. His leadership established a lasting legacy and brought significant value to this vital sector, which reflects the UAE’s success and advancement on the global sporting stage. These efforts laid a strong foundation for the Olympic movement in the UAE, enabling its continuous growth and development,” Sheikh Mansoor said.

The UAE has since achieved exceptional milestones, including its historic first Olympic medal at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, when Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum won gold in the men’s double trap shooting event. Other key achievements include the UAE’s successful hosting of the eighth edition of the SportAccord International Convention in 2010 — the first time it was held in the Middle East — and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games silver medal in show jumping won by Omar Al Marzooqi, which marked a new chapter for Emirati athletes.

“Sustaining the success of the national Olympic movement requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders — including sports federations and organisations involved in Olympic affairs — to ensure athletes receive the support and environment they need to excel and uphold the UAE’s legacy of sporting excellence on the global stage,” Sheikh Mansoor added.

Sheikh Mansoor secured the presidential seat in accordance with the NOC’s statutes and electoral regulations, approved by its Board of Directors, for the 2024—2028 Olympic term. This announcement was made during the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the UAE NOC in Dubai.

Following the election, Sheikh Mansoor chaired the meeting, which was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice-President of the NOC and Chairman of the Executive Board; Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the NOC; as well as members of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors.

Sheikh Mansoor noted that his role reflects the deep trust placed in him by national sports figures, who have shaped the Olympic movement with determination and perseverance, always keeping the UAE’s sporting progress at the heart of their mission, without seeking recognition or acclaim. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving sporting success and achievements at every level, he added.

During the meeting, Al Mutawa presented the latest amendments to the Olympic Charter, which were adopted on January 30. These amendments represent a pivotal development in the history of the Olympic movement, particularly with regard to the participation process, qualification pathways, and the rights to host and organise the Olympic Games — while also expanding the role of National Olympic Committees in decisions concerning host city selections.