UAE universities’ athletes win 14 medals at Asian Cup in Classic Powerlifting

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Athletes from UAE universities proved their mettle as they grabbed 14 medals on the opening day of the first Asian Cup in Classic Powerlifting hosted by the University of Sharjah.

The 2023 Asian Cup in Classic Powerlifting is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah.

The event is taking place in collaboration with the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, with athletes representing 48 universities.

Khalifa University's Hussain Al Sabt won the gold medal in the deadlift’s 66 kg weight category and the silver medal in the total points count. Mohammed Fouda of Ajman University secured two gold medals in the 74 kg weight category of the squat competition.

He also set a new Emirati powerlifting record with a squat lift of 230 kilogrammes. Naritan Shapsgu, a player from the American University of Sharjah, won two gold medals in the squat for the 83-kg weight category and silver in the total. Abdulrahman Abu Al Ghilat from Dubai's Rochester Institute of Technology earned a bronze medal in the squat for the 83 kg weight category.

Fahd Al Rafaei from the University of Sharjah won three silver and bronze medals in the 59 kg weight category.

Winners pose with their medals during the presentation ceremony.

Professor Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor, University of Sharjah, UAE, expressed his delight over the successful launch of the first Asian Cup in Classic Powerlifting and the accomplishments made through the event.

He highlighted how this championship reflects the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and founder of the University of Sharjah, in building a distinctive university community.

Naimiy also hailed Sheikh Sultan for his unwavering support, which fosters an extraordinary environment that supports and cares for the people of the UAE community.

He also commended the university's role in supporting and nurturing the UAE’s talent, emphasising that the University of Sharjah was the first in Asia to host such a large-scale continental powerlifting championship.

He praised the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation for their support and conscientious efforts to raise the bar of the contest.

Naimiy congratulated the winners and the championship's organising team, including administrators, players, and coaches, for fostering a high sportsmanship spirit throughout the competition.

He also praised the efforts of the organising committee of the Asian Cup in Classic Powerlifting, headed by Professor Eid Mohammad Kanaan, the organisational work team under the supervision of the organising committee director, Salah Al Amiri, the active participation of university affiliates in Asia, and the role of the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation in encouraging the practise of this sport at the university level.

He affirmed that the University of Sharjah takes pride in combining its excellence in sports with its academic, cultural, scientific, and societal aspects.

"The university aims to provide a platform for athletes to thrive and looks forward to hosting more sporting events in the future," he said.

Professor Kanaan discussed future collaboration in international sporting events with Singaporean representative Sitwa Jing Favih from the Asian University Sports Federation. The meeting outlined plans for further cooperation between the University of Sharjah and the federation at upcoming international sporting events.

Majid Al Redha, coach of Emirati university athletes, praised the high level of skill displayed in the championship, underscoring the importance of hosting such events. He described the achievement of UAE universities' athletes in winning numerous medals as a clear testament to the significant development of powerlifting in the country.