UAE secures 9 medals at end of AWST 2024 Fencing competitions

Arab Women Sports Tournament

The Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) 2024 fencing competitions wrapped up with UAE fencers at the forefront, bringing the nation's total medal tally to nine.

The Sharjah Women's Sports Club secured a gold medal in the Foil Teams and a bronze in the Sabre Teams in Sunday's competitions. Meanwhile, the Fujairah Martial Arts Club bagged gold in the Épée and Sabre Team disciplines. On Sunday, UAE fencers bagged five medals during individual fencing competitions.

On Sunday, AWST 2024 fencing competitions concluded, with the team competitions taking place in Sharjah Women's Sports Club.

Sharjah Women's Sports Club won the foil Teams after an exciting match against the Oman Fencing team. The Syrian Al-Shorta SC secured the third-place position.

After intense competitions in the Saber discipline, the Fujairah Martial Arts Club lead the pack, securing first place against the Syrian Al-Shorta SC, with the Sharjah Women's Sports Team earning the bronze medal.

In the Epée Team competitions, UAE's Fujairah Martial Arts Club showcased their prowess by clinching the gold medal after a compelling match against the Oman Fencing team, leaving the Bahraini Busaiteen Club to take home the bronze.

Under the presence of Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Arab, Asia and UAE Fencing Federation; Sheikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Chairwoman of the Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality Committee at the Arab National Olympic Committees, Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of the Higher Steering Committee for AWST, and Fares Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the UAE Olympics Committee, crowned the champions of the fencing competitions.

The Sharjah Women's Sports Team, which secured gold in Épée Teams, consists of Fagr Al Marzouqi, Alanood Al Saadi, Zeinab Al Housani, and Sheikha Al Zaabi. Meanwhile, the Fujairah Martial Arts Club's team, which claimed gold in Sabre Teams, includes the players Aseela Al Zaabi, Almaha Albalooshi, Mahra Abdullah, and Mira Alhamadi, while Fujairah's team in the Foil competition included Alhayam Al Balushi, Hamda Al Tamimi, Khadija Al Masmary, and Najood Al Saridi.

In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, the Sharjah Women's Sports fencers dedicated their gold medal to Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Women's Sports, acknowledging her unparalleled support and patronage. Sheikha Jawaher's contributions have not only elevated women's sports in the country and the region but have also provided athletes with the encouragement and resources needed to excel on the international stage.

Fencer Alanood Al Saadi from the Sharjah team said, "It is challenging to fully articulate the extent of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher's impact on us. Her unwavering support and care transcend words, compelling us to dedicate this gold medal in appreciation of her efforts."

Teammate Zeinab Al Housani, the top-ranked UAE fencer, reflected on the journey to gold and said, "The path to victory was fraught with challenges, yet our determination remained unshaken. Having practised this sport for nearly eight years, I've learned the value of patience and the relentless pursuit of victory, no matter the obstacles. Our triumph at AWST 2024 serves as a vital morale booster as we look ahead to the upcoming Asian Championship in Bahrain."

Al Housani further emphasised the sense of responsibility of representing their country, “Winning the gold medal places upon us a profound duty to acknowledge those who have been instrumental in our journey. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi's prominent role in our sports careers makes her the most deserving of this dedication.”