Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Photo: WAM
The UAE Wrestling National Team has started a new phase in its development journey. As part of their preparation for the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October, four young Emirati wrestlers are currently undergoing intense training at the Olympic Centre for National Teams in Maadi, Cairo. This high-performance center is known for hosting elite athletes from across the Arab world and is offering UAE wrestlers a strong environment for physical and technical growth.
UAE Athletes Focused on Medal Targets
The national squad includes four promising youth wrestlers: Hamad Yasser, Munther Al Baloushi, Abdullah Al Kendi, and Ibrahim Al Suwaidi. They are guided by head coach Ahmed Amrov and managed by Shaaban El Sayed, both of whom bring international experience and strong leadership. These young athletes are participating in a strategic programme aimed at raising their wrestling performance to a competitive international level.
Competing in Egypt’s National Championship
From 17th to 23rd July 2025, the UAE team will also compete in the Egyptian National Wrestling Championship in Alexandria. This event is known for attracting top-level talent from across Egypt and the region. Competing in such a tough environment will help UAE wrestlers gain experience, improve their resilience, and fine-tune their tactics ahead of the continental games.
A Big Step Towards Asian Youth Games in Bahrain
The Asian Youth Games are a major milestone for many young athletes in the region. The UAE’s participation in this multi-sport event will be a key opportunity to measure the success of its youth wrestling programmes. This training and competition phase in Egypt is designed to prepare the athletes physically and mentally for the demands of a high-level tournament in Bahrain.
UAE Wrestling Federation’s Long-Term Vision
The UAE Wrestling Federation is committed to building a strong generation of wrestlers who can compete not only at the Asian level but also at future world championships and Olympic events. As part of this commitment, the Federation has created a clear long-term vision to expose young athletes to high-level training environments and international competitions early in their careers.
This current programme in Egypt reflects the Federation’s strategic direction: provide elite-level preparation, ensure quality coaching, and build athletes who can bring medals home.
Egypt as an Ideal Training Ground
Egypt is one of the strongest nations in Arab and African wrestling. Its athletes regularly win medals in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling at continental and international levels. By training in Egypt, the UAE wrestlers are able to spar with experienced athletes, understand different fighting styles, and receive real-time feedback from matches.
This creates a challenging yet supportive learning environment for the UAE squad.
Training Focus: Technique, Tactics, and Strength
While the wrestlers are training hard to improve physical strength and endurance, the focus is not only on power. UAE coach Ahmed Amrov is working on refining technical details like grip, takedowns, and ground control. Mental strength, tactical decision-making, and focus under pressure are also major parts of daily training sessions.
Coach Amrov has emphasized preparing the athletes for match situations—especially how to manage points, avoid penalties, and turn defense into attack.
Championship Participation to Boost Confidence
The Egyptian championship is not just a competition—it’s a learning platform. The experience of competing against high-performing wrestlers from Egypt gives UAE athletes a chance to adapt their strategies in real time. They also gain the mental toughness that comes only from competing under real pressure.
This event serves as a final assessment of their readiness before the Asian Youth Games.
Community and National Representation
These young athletes are not only representing the UAE Wrestling Federation but also serving as symbols of national pride. Their success stories can inspire other youth in the UAE to pursue wrestling and other sports. It also showcases the country’s growing efforts in diversifying its sports landscape and investing in long-term athlete development.
Role of Coaches and Management
Behind the success of every athlete is a team. Coach Ahmed Amrov ensures that the athletes stay focused, correct technical flaws, and follow a strict routine. On the other hand, team manager Shaaban El Sayed is handling logistics, scheduling, and coordination, making sure everything runs smoothly. This well-structured setup allows the athletes to concentrate only on training and performance.
Looking Ahead: Bahrain and Beyond
After completing the camp and competition in Egypt, the UAE team will return home and continue their preparations for Bahrain. More internal camps, recovery phases, and tactical simulations are planned. The aim is not just to participate in the Asian Youth Games but to win medals and make a strong statement on behalf of the UAE.
The athletes will also benefit from post-competition analysis and detailed feedback sessions with coaches, focusing on areas of improvement and building on their strengths.
Preparing Future Wrestling Stars
The UAE Wrestling Federation is leaving no stone unturned in preparing its youth for international success. From training in Egypt to competing in one of the region’s toughest championships, the current programme gives the athletes everything they need to succeed.
If the UAE youth wrestlers can convert this preparation into medal-winning performances in Bahrain this October, it will not only validate the Federation’s long-term strategy but also encourage more investment in wrestling and youth sports in general.
The country’s aim is clear: to produce athletes who are not just regionally successful but also capable of competing on the world stage—and this journey is well underway.
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