Nahyan bin Zayed’s trust appreciated
Al Mansouri chairs the first meeting of “Abu Dhabi Weightlifting”
The Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Weightlifting Club held its first meeting after its new formation, chaired by His Excellency Engineer Issa Omair Al-Mansoori. The meeting was attended by Khalaf Al-Otaiba, Vice President; Abdullah Hayi Al-Shamsi and Adel Al-Yaqoubi, Board Members; and Khalifa Al-Zaabi, Director of Support Services at the club.
His Excellency Engineer Issa Omair Al-Mansoori expressed his deep appreciation for the trust placed in the board by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council. He extended his gratitude to His Highness for this confidence and also thanked the previous board for its efforts. He emphasized the club’s pioneering role in promoting weightlifting and its significant contribution, despite its short existence, in elevating national teams to podium finishes and achieving remarkable accomplishments at both Arab and Asian levels
Notably, an athlete from the club led the national team to win the first-ever continental medal for men. Additionally, in 2024, the club’s players contributed significantly to the national team’s success, securing a total of 18 medals in Asian and Arab competitions. The men’s team, comprised of club players, won three bronze medals at the Asian Championship in Bahrain and three silver medals at the Arab Championship in Doha. Furthermore, in the same competition, the club’s junior and youth athletes claimed six gold medals, three bronze medals, and three additional bronzes at the Qatar International Cup for men.
Regarding upcoming competitions where the club will represent the national weightlifting teams, Al-Mansoori stated that discussions are ongoing with the federation regarding participation in six international tournaments this year. These include the West Asian Championship for all categories in Iraq in April, the Asian Championship for men and women in China in May, the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia in August, and the World Championship for men and women in Norway in October. Additionally, the club will compete in the Arab Championship for all categories and the Asian Championship for juniors and youth at the end of the year.
Al-Mansoori emphasized that the club’s strategy, plans, and programs are centered around winning championships, maintaining high ambitions for developing champions, and achieving global recognition. The primary goal for the next phase is securing podium finishes at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and competing strongly at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, alongside this year’s scheduled competitions and further national and club achievements in coordination with the federation. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and ensuring all necessary resources are available to achieve these goals.
He added: “We fully understand that a strong foundation is crucial for continued success. Therefore, developing young athletes and refining their talents will be a top priority. Additionally, we will focus on other groups, such as People of Determination, by providing specialized training programs and enhancing their weightlifting skills. This initiative aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding between the club and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, while also working to expand the sport’s presence within Abu Dhabi and its various cities.”
