SHARJAH — The fourth and largest edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) began at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah Saturday. Themed ‘The World Is Your Court — Together Victorious’, the tournament is hosting 68 clubs from 16 countries and 1,000 athletes and administrative personnel taking part — a 70% increase on the last edition.

Organised by the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, athletes will compete in nine disciplines — basketball, volleyball, table tennis, fencing, archery, shooting, athletics, show-jumping and for the very first time Karate — in this 11-day event.

Many senior personalities, heads of Arab sports committees and guests from the Arab world attended the opening ceremony.

The ceremony began with a welcoming note by famous television and sports personality Mostafa Al Agha. It went on with the UAE National Anthem, and a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a citation of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and the raising of the flags of the 16 participating countries.

The audience watched a video about the tournament before the teams entered and the games was declared officially underway.

Representatives of the athletes, referees and judges took the athletic oath.

In his opening address, Sheikh Khaled Bin Ahmad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi welcomed all Arab competitors and guests to Sharjah, sharing the message of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, saying: “Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi’s thoughts share an immense pride toward what Sharjah has accomplished in its dedicated care and support towards the women in sports.”

Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi continued to commemorate the significance behind the 4th AWST event, saying: “This event exemplifies the ongoing efforts to not only elevate women in sports, but also to empower them at all levels and in all fields.”

Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa underscored that the efforts of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi in leading the support and development of Arab women in sports has contributed significantly to the Arab sports industry and has strengthened the sportsmanship among our Arab neighbours.

Representatives of the participating delegations expressed their appreciation to Sharjah for organizing the largest event of its kind in the Arab world and commended the efforts of the management and the organizers.

Meanwhile, world squash champion Nour Al-Sharbini, debuted her presence by setting foot on Sharjah’s first squash court, located at the SWSF sports club for women.

Receiving a warm reception by the SWSF players and head-coaches, Al-Sharbini explored the facility and provided a short display of her award-winning skills, giving audiences an entertaining and educational background behind the advanced dynamics of the sport.

The Egyptian champion, with a career high of holding more than 9 world championship titles and more than 19 world titles across various categories, highlighted SWSF’s strategic move of introducing the new squash facility for women. She also hailed SWSF’s dedicated efforts in continuously pursuing initiatives that empower and support Arab female athletes in Sharjah and across the region. — SG