Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais speaks with Engineer Majed Al Hamadi.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Experts at the Sharjah Ramadan Sports Forum Self-Defense Forum stressed that sustainability is key to creating outstanding champions in various sports, including self-defense.

They emphasised the need to update technical plans according to international standards and incorporate new technologies into training programmes to create athletes capable of achieving excellence.

Ramadan Sports Forum was organized by the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club under the theme "Ambitious Youth... Sustainable Sports," sponsored by the Sharjah Sports Council in collaboration with the Sharjah Youth Council. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Vice-Chairman of the club, Engineer Majed Al-Hammadi, the chairman of the Sharjah Youth Council, along with several sports and youth leaders.

The forum featured the participation of a member of the board of directors of the Egyptian Al-Ahly Club and former world karate champion, Mohanad Magdi, the director of the Sports Safety Program at the World and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, Jordan karate champion Zaid Jarandouqa, Mohamed Jasim Sajwani, the Assistant Secretary-General of the UAE Judo Federation, and the technical director of Taekwondo at the club, Dr. Ali Alawi. Dialogue sessions were moderated by Youth Council member Khaled Al-Raisi. Concurrently with the forum, the club's online store was launched, providing specialized sports equipment.

The forum resulted in several important recommendations, including the importance of enhancing national spirit and belonging among players as a fundamental factor in encouraging excellence and winning medals and titles.

Additionally, there is a need to draw on the experiences of advanced international schools in self-defense sports and dedicate them to developing technical levels to apply sports sustainability. Improving current training programs to meet the needs and aspirations of players, as well as incorporating new technologies such as digital and technological solutions into training programs, and diversifying training methods, are also crucial. Furthermore, utilizing foundations and standards for player assessment contributes to enhancing a culture of winning and encourages continuing sports despite challenges.

Participants highlighted the role of the UAE in developing the level of Jiu-Jitsu globally, aiming for it to become a national and competitive sport that reflects the character of outstanding athletes.

Additionally, the importance of the Sharjah Youth Council in promoting sports in the emirate and pushing it towards achieving achievements was emphasized. The forum also shed light on the experience of the Egyptian Al-Ahly Club, which contributed to the creation of world champions and achieved great popularity for the practice of self-defense sports in Egypt and the Arab world. Moreover, the experience of the UAE Judo Federation in promoting the culture of playing the game widely until it became highly popular, accompanied by achievements, was praised.

The forum also appreciated the experience of the Sports Safety Program in the World and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations and its importance in promoting sportsmanship and encouraging players to continue practicing sports and not to stop when facing defeat, ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes as a comprehensive approach that includes prevention and education strategies.