UAE judoka Aram Grigorian put on an impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, coming close to securing a spot in the bronze-medal playoff before ultimately falling to Tsilidis Theodoros from Greece. Despite losing in the quarterfinals to Murao Sanshiro of Japan in the under-90 kg category, Grigorian showed great potential for a medal. He won his first two matches against opponents from Sweden and Uzbekistan, with a notable victory over the bronze medalist from the 2023 World Judo Championships. Although he was defeated in the repechage round by Theodoros, Grigorian’s performance was a highlight of the UAE team’s showing at the Games.
The Vice Chairman of the Judo Federation, Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor, praised the achievement of having six UAE judokas representing the country at the Paris Olympics across various weight categories. This marks the fifth consecutive participation of UAE judokas in the global sporting event, showcasing the efforts of the National Olympic Committee in supporting excellence in sports. The UAE’s campaign at the Olympics also saw swimmer Yousef Al Matrooshi setting a new personal best time in the 100-metre freestyle heats, despite finishing 44th. Unfortunately, judoka Talal Shafili and swimmer Maha Al Shehhi faced early exits in the preliminary rounds of their respective events.
The UAE’s participation at the Paris Olympics began with swimmer Maha Al Shehhi setting a new personal record in the 200m freestyle event, followed by judoka Khorloodoi Bishrelt’s loss to Germany’s Mascha Ballhaus in the round of 16. Other UAE judokas Narmand Bayan and Talal Shafili also faced early exits in their respective events. Equestrian rider Omar Al Marzouqi and cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh had the honor of carrying the UAE’s flag during the opening ceremony, with Al Sayegh being the first female Emirati cyclist to qualify for the Olympics. The national equestrian team is set to compete in the show jumping competition, while Al Sayegh will participate in the road race at the Games.
The UAE’s participation at the Paris Olympics showcases the country’s commitment to excellence in sports, with a strong representation of judokas and other athletes on the global stage. The performance of Aram Grigorian in the judo competition was a standout moment, highlighting his potential for future success in the sport. The support and attention of the leadership in providing the necessary resources for athletes to excel in their respective disciplines underscores the UAE’s dedication to sporting achievement. Despite facing challenges and early exits in some events, the UAE athletes have shown resilience and determination in representing their country at the Olympics.
As the UAE team continues its participation at the Paris Olympics, there are expectations for further success and notable performances in various events. The upcoming show jumping competition involving the national equestrian team presents an opportunity for the UAE to showcase its talent in a different discipline. Equestrian rider Omar Al Marzouqi and cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh carry the hopes of the UAE as they compete in their respective events, aiming to make a mark on the global sporting stage. The participation of UAE athletes in multiple disciplines reflects the country’s growing presence in international sporting competitions and its commitment to promoting a culture of excellence in sports.
