Arab Women Sports Tournament raises the bar for athletes in the region: Hanan

Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Get ready for a celebration of female athleticism! Sharjah, a leading Emirate in the UAE, is poised to elevate the bar for women's sports this weekend by hosting the much-anticipated Arab Women Sports Tournament.

This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the Emirates journey towards promoting inclusivity and empowering women athletes.

Organised by the Sharjah Women’s Sports, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event is a vibrant showcase of Arab women's athletic talent and spur UAE’s strategy towards Olympic goals.

The seventh staging of the Olympic-themed biennial event and 10-day tournament features the participation of 560 female athletes, divided into 63 teams representing 15 Arab countries.

The tournament, scheduled from Friday to February 10, will bring together top female athletes from across the Arab world to compete in a variety of sports.

Speaking to Gulf Today in an exclusive interview, Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice-Chairman of the Arab Women Sports Tournament Higher Steering Committee, said: “The much-awaited tournament makes a return, as we had to skip the previous edition due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 “We are very excited because this year marks an additional achievement, as in past editions it was random participation from different clubs and any teams would join.

"Now the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC) has elevated the technical standards of participation by allowing only top-ranked teams to compete. If not the first, only the second-best is permitted to take part.

“Fierce competitions will be on the cards, and this is an excellent opportunity to set a benchmark, both for individual performance and for national teams.

“As the host, we are honored to field two teams: the Sharjah Women's Sports Club and a UAE club, the national teams. These squads will serve as strategic tools to assess our players' abilities against the region's elite.”

Besides the high intensity of competition, the Arab Women Sports Tournament will also be held across prominent clubs in the Middle and Eastern regions of Sharjah.

“Geographically broadening its reach, the tournament will be conducted across the Middle and Eastern regions of the Emirate, promoting community involvement and highlighting sporting excellence across Sharjah,” Hanan added.

The AWST began in 2012 to promote equal opportunities for women’s sports. The inaugural edition of AWST had five disciplines and 47 participating clubs from 12 Arab countries.

“The seventh edition will see the participation of 560 female athletes divided into 63 teams representing 15 Arab countries.

“This event has been expanding its reach and growing in stature. AWST serves as a platform for women in the Arab world to showcase their athletic abilities and compete in a variety of sports. The tournament has been credited with promoting gender equality and empowering women in the region,” said Hanan.

Last year, on August 31, Sheikha Jawaher appointed Hanan as Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women’s Sport.

Hanan’s career is a testament to the power of dedication and leadership. Throughout her journey, she has held numerous positions that have significantly impacted the growth of sports and community development in Sharjah.

The dynamic Emirati wear many hats. Her accomplishments encompass key strategic roles that underscore her unwavering commitment.

From 2016 onward, for a span of four years, she held the position of board member at the Sharjah Sports Council, leading the Investment Committee.

During this tenure, she played a pivotal role in formulating strategies that bolstered sports development in the region. Her exceptional capabilities were once again evident in 2020 when she assumed the role of High Organizing Committee Member for the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament. This followed her previous involvement as a member and head of the Marketing and Events Committee in two preceding editions.

With a wealth of experience and expertise in sports management, Hanan’s illustrious career is a testament to her impactful journey.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various roles and spearheaded initiatives that have significantly contributed to the advancement of sports and community development.