Dubai: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and President of the Gulf Youth Games, the inaugural Gulf Youth Games concluded successfully. The event, which ran from April 16 to May 2, saw the participation of approximately 3,500 athletes from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), competing in a wide array of sports.
Hosted by the UAE, the Gulf Youth Games highlighted the nation’s commitment to nurturing the sports sector, as articulated by Sheikh Ahmed. He noted the UAE’s dedication under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and guidance from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The focus is on providing opportunities for youth and elevating regional sports to new levels of excellence.
The Games, held under the theme “Our Gulf is One… Our Youth are Promising,” spanned five emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah. Athletes competed in 24 sports, including football, swimming, judo, and cycling, across 41 events. The Games also benefitted from the support of 300 volunteers and received extensive coverage by 100 media personnel.
Sheikh Ahmed commended the National Olympic Committees in the GCC for their role in launching this significant event. “We are immensely proud of the success of the inaugural Gulf Youth Games, which showcased unity and sportsmanship among all athletes,” he stated. He also expressed gratitude towards the teams and volunteers who facilitated the smooth conduct of the Games.
The UAE emerged as the top medalist, securing a total of 296 medals, including 96 golds. They were followed by Saudi Arabia with 149 medals and Kuwait in third place with 126 medals. Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman also showed strong performances, highlighting the event’s competitive spirit.
Sheikh Ahmed praised the exceptional performances of Gulf athletes, which led to numerous medals and notable achievements. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the event would lead to significant advancements in Gulf sports and reiterated the UAE’s capability in organizing and hosting major international events, reinforcing its status as a leading sports destination.
The success of the Gulf Youth Games not only celebrates athletic excellence but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and ambition among the youth of the Gulf region, promising a bright future for regional sports.
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