Post by : Maya Rahman

The UAE Archery Federation has announced that a strong national team of 17 male and female athletes is representing the country at the 2nd West Asia Archery Championship – Qatar 2025. The championship is currently taking place in Doha and will continue until 4th November, drawing participation from several nations across the region. The event marks an important opportunity for Emirati athletes to test their skills against the best archers in West Asia.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the federation confirmed that the UAE delegation is headed by Hanadi Khalifa Al Kabouri, the President of the UAE Archery Federation. Supporting her is Humaid Al Shamsi, the Vice President of the Federation and Head of the Mission, who is overseeing the logistical and administrative aspects of the team’s participation. The delegation also includes Aliya Mahmoud Al Harmouzi, who serves as the team’s administrator and ensures smooth coordination throughout the competition.

The UAE’s presence at the championship extends beyond the athletes. Sheikha Al Khatri, a board member of the federation and Head of the Referees Committee, is taking part in an official capacity. She is joined by Omar Al Hammadi, a certified continental referee, who is contributing to the fair officiating of matches. Their involvement highlights the UAE’s growing role not only in competition but also in the governance and development of archery in the region.

The national team is being guided by a professional coaching lineup led by Head Coach Yong Chul Lee, who brings years of international experience to the squad. Supporting him are Assistant Coaches Mi Jin Song and Fernando Nimantha, both of whom have been instrumental in training the UAE archers for international-level competition. The coaching staff has focused on refining the team’s precision, endurance, and composure under pressure—key skills needed for success in competitive archery.

The men’s recurve team consists of four talented archers: Abdullah Obaid Al Ketbi, Sib Sankar Maity, Ali Yaqoub Rangiri, and Mansour Saeed Al Ketbi. Each of these athletes has shown strong performance in national tournaments and is eager to perform well against the region’s top competitors. Their preparation has included focused training sessions emphasizing technical accuracy and mental focus.

The women’s recurve team also features some of the UAE’s best female archers: Samia Odinaeva, Maha Abdulrahim Al Hosani, Aisha Jassim Al Ali, Fatma Mohammed Al Baloushi, and Hessa Yaqoub Al Awadhi. These athletes have undergone rigorous preparation for the championship and are confident about achieving strong results. Their participation reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering women in sports and encouraging equal representation at international levels.

The men’s compound team includes Mohammed Saleh bin Amro, Yousef Hassan Al Hosani, Nasser Saeed Al Rashdi, and Shihab Ahmed Al Saeedi. Known for their consistent performances, these archers have been working to fine-tune their shooting technique and composure during high-stakes matches. The compound division requires advanced equipment and precision, and the UAE team has demonstrated steady improvement in recent international events.

The women’s compound team features Amina Yousef Al Awadhi, Jumana Ali Al Najjar, Sara Adel Al Mazmi, and Maitha Mohammed Al Nuaimi. Each member of this team has trained extensively under the supervision of their coaches to enhance strength, focus, and accuracy. They aim to deliver strong performances and bring home medals, continuing the steady progress of Emirati women in competitive archery.

The UAE Archery Federation continues to play a major role in promoting the sport at both grassroots and professional levels. Under the leadership of Hanadi Khalifa Al Kabouri, the federation has introduced new training programs, youth camps, and regional competitions to prepare athletes for international events like the West Asia Championship. The federation’s growing involvement in continental tournaments also highlights the UAE’s ambition to become a regional leader in archery.

The participation of 17 athletes in the Qatar championship reflects the UAE’s growing depth of talent and commitment to excellence. Competing against skilled opponents from across West Asia provides valuable experience that will help the Emirati archers build confidence and improve their global rankings. With strong leadership, experienced coaches, and dedicated athletes, the UAE Archery Federation aims to continue developing champions who will represent the country proudly in future competitions.

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