Nearly 1,600 athletes set to resume competition at University Games

The University Games competitions that commenced in October with great success will resume after a short winter break mid-next month.

Over 1,585 participants from 28 universities representing some of the most talented young athletes in the UAE have convened for the inaugural edition of the first-of-its-kind tournament in the country.

This event marks a notable milestone in promoting athletic excellence and fostering engagement among emerging sports talents.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE School and University Sports Federation, and supported by Solutions+, the University Games stand as a significant testament to the commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and skills development throughout the nation.

The tournament’s competitions are organized across three main regions: Western, Central, and Eastern. A total of 1,585 athletes, consisting of 55% male and 45% female participants, are competing in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball.

Set to resume on January 13, the tournament will run until March, featuring an impressive total of 382 matches. Furthermore, 42 finals will be held, celebrating an event that embodies the core values of diversity, determination, and unity among the inspiring youth of the UAE.

The University Games symbolize a progressive advancement in university sports, aligned with the visionary UAE National Sports Strategy 2031. This strategy aspires to bolster community engagement in sports, cultivate competitive platforms, and elevate the performance of professional athletes, all while harmonizing the vital connections between sports, culture, and education.

The focus of the initiative encompasses the promotion of sports ethics and good governance, early talent discovery, and the establishment of pathways that facilitate excellence in the realm of sports. Given its world-class sporting facilities and proficient event management capabilities, the UAE serves as an optimal location for hosting multi-disciplinary tournaments.

Noura Al Hammadi, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company (ADEC), stated: “This initiative transcends a mere sporting championship; it represents a celebration of the capabilities of young individuals and reinforces the UAE’s status as a premier global sporting destination.

“We take great pride in empowering young athletes to achieve their fullest potential, while ensuring that this event creates a lasting legacy that will inspire and uplift generations to come.”