Bronze Medal for the UAE’s Show Jumping Team at the 19^th Asian Games, Hangzhou, China

The United Arab Emirates Show Jumping Team has clinched the Bronze medal at the 19^th Asian Games, the nation’s first Asian Games team medal since 2010, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the world of show jumping.

UAE riders Abdulla Al Marri on James VDO Heihoef, owned by Al Shira'aa, Omar Al Marzouqi riding Dalida VD Zuuthoeve, owned by Al Shira'aa, Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi riding Diamond Way, owned by Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajririding G's Fabian, owned by Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri, jumped two clear rounds finishing on 0 penalties to secure their place in an all GCC jump-off against KSA and Qatar.

Against the clock, the team, who has already secured qualification for the 2024 Olympics and achieved tremendous success this summer on the European circuit, put on a stellar performance to finish Bronze, with reigning Asian Games gold medallists KSA taking Gold and Qatar Silver.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate the whole county, especially H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for his full and continuous support, and to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation. And, of course, special thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa for making our dreams come true. It wasn’t an easy competition, and we fought hard for Gold, but we’re very proud of our performance,” said 20-year-old Omar Al Marzouqi, one of the youngest riders in the competition.

Salem Al Suwaidi added, “I would like to thank H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa, for all the support over the past few months, and for supporting my brothers and teammates over the years. It was my first time riding as part of the National team at the Asian Games, and it was a big challenge but a small and positive step in our journey to the Paris Olympics 2024. We tried our best and are extremely happy to bring a medal home for our country. This medal is not only for us riders but for the whole team behind the scenes who work so hard to keep the horses in top condition.”

“It was a great experience and a tough competition, with KSA and Qatar bringing a strong team. We’re looking forward to the Olympics and are so grateful to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa for her unwavering support. And to H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation, for their ongoing support. I hope we have made them proud today and that we continue to do so in the upcoming competitions,” said Sharjah-based Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri. 

Teammate Abdulla Al Marri went on to add “In the beginning, I would like to thank H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabiand H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation for being the main supporters of our team and for getting us ready for the Asian Games. And of course, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa, who has been our leader when it comes to equestrian sport for the past decade or so. She has trusted us with her horses and given us this opportunity, so this Bronze is in recognition of all the support she has given us as a team.”

“I am immensely proud of the riders from my country,” said H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Owner of Al Shira’aa. “Their achievements to date bring so much joy and pride to our nation. I am grateful to my role model, my mentor, and my dearest father, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the support and belief he has in me and for his constant encouragement and to my dearest uncle H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Head of the UAE Equestrian Federation for his unlimited support and the trust he has put in me to help serve my country and our talented riders.”

The individual medals will be decided over two rounds of jumping and a jump-off against the clock on Friday 6^th of October, following Thursday’s second veterinary inspection and technical meeting.