The UAE National Olympic Committee has revealed the official delegation representing the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The delegation includes 14 male and female athletes who will participate in equestrian, judo, swimming, cycling, and athletics competitions during the Summer Games.
Equestrian athlete Omar Al Marzouqi, who clinched a silver medal in individual showjumping at the Youth Olympics in 2018 at the age of 15, will lead the UAE team as the flag-bearer at the opening ceremony. The athletes are currently in Paris, gearing up for the Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
In addition to Al Marzouqi, the equestrian team comprises Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi, with the final roster to be confirmed by the federation. The UAE's judo squad consists of six members, including Omar Marouf (over 100kg), Dhafer Aram (under 100kg), Aram Gregorian (under 90kg), Talal Shvili (under 81kg), Narmand Bayan (under 66kg), and Bashirat Kharoudi (under 52 kg) for the women's category.
Safiya Al Sayegh is poised to make history as the first Emirati female cyclist to compete in the Summer Olympics. In swimming, Yousuf Al-Matrooshi returns after his debut in the 2020 Tokyo Games, joined by Maha Al Shehi in the female category. Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi will represent the UAE in the 100m race.
The UAE National Olympic Committee also presented the uniforms designed by Rawdha Al Shaafar of A Friend of Mine by Xpoze. The white uniforms symbolize strength, peace, and purity, with the red Arabic text 'United Arab Emirates' signifying courage and national pride. The fabric is selected for its adaptability to various temperatures, ensuring comfort for the athletes.
An 'Emirati House' will be established at the Paris Olympics, showcasing the country's heritage and offering a venue for visitors to experience UAE hospitality. It will operate from July 27 to August 10, hosting a variety of activities and events.
The UAE is marking its eleventh participation in the Olympics, with its inaugural appearance in the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The most notable achievement came in the 2004 Athens Olympics when Sheikh Ahmed bin Hasher Al Maktoum secured the UAE's first Olympic gold in double trap shooting. The UAE flag was further honored in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics with judoka Sergio Toma's bronze medal win in the under 81kg category.
