Dubai is gearing up to host its biggest Dubai International Aquatics Championships (DIAC) yet, with 3,000 athletes from 40 countries set to compete. The event will bring together top swimmers, divers, and water sports athletes for a series of high-level competitions. 

Organisers are expecting strong performances and a dynamic atmosphere, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a key destination for international sporting events.

Held at the iconic Hamdan Sports Complex from March 21 to April 20, 2025, this month-long aquatic extravaganza will feature five adrenaline-pumping water sports, drawing some of the fiercest competitors on the planet.

From high-flying dives to electrifying swimming showdowns, fans are in for a thrill-fest like no other. Here’s what’s making waves on the schedule:

• Diving (March 21-23) – Expect gravity-defying stunts as the world’s best divers fight for gold!
• Water Polo (April 5) – A brutal battle in the pool where only the toughest teams will survive.
• Open Water Swimming (April 5-6) – A true test of endurance in the ultimate long-distance aquatic war.
• Synchronised Swimming (April 12-13) – Grace meets grit as teams deliver flawless, jaw-dropping routines.
• Swimming (April 18-20) – The grand finale! Speed demons will leave it all in the water in a blistering race to the finish.

Organised in collaboration with the UAE Swimming Federation and top local academies, this championship is set to be an unmissable spectacle for fans of all things fast, fierce, and aquatic.

(Source: Wam)

The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 kicked off in spectacular style last night, and guess who took centre stage? None other than Mina Al Mazrouei. The UAE’s very own Special Olympics athlete had the honour of raising the official Special Olympics flag, cementing the UAE’s growing global presence in the world of sports for people of determination.

With 1,500 athletes from 102 countries in attendance, Al Mazrouei’s moment in the spotlight wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a powerful statement about the UAE’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sporting excellence.

On the global stage

Talal Al Hashemi, the man leading Team UAE in Turin, couldn’t hide his pride. “Since Abu Dhabi 2019, we’ve entered a new era of empowerment,” he declared. 

“Mina standing tall on that stage is proof of the dedication, training, and sheer determination of our athletes.”

And it’s not just about the flag-raising — Team UAE is here to compete. With 11 athletes set to take on six different winter sports, they’re the MENA region’s most diverse and ambitious delegation at the Games. Expect to see Emirati talent making a mark in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short-track speed skating, and snowboarding.

Big names are backing Team UAE

Backing this powerhouse squad? Heavyweight sponsors like Mubadala and Majid Al Futtaim, along with crucial support from the UAE Winter Sports Federation. With this kind of firepower behind them, Team UAE is sure to excel at the event.

(Source: Wam)

India’s captain Rohit Sharma has shut down speculation about his ODI future, confirming he has no plans to retire from the white ball format anytime soon.

“One more thing, I’m not going to retire from this format—just to make sure no more rumors get spread,” Rohit said, sparking laughter at the post-match press conference.

His statement came after leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, where he played a match-winning knock of 76 off 83 balls against New Zealand in Dubai on March 9.

India Snatch Another ICC Trophy

India showcased their dominance once again, restricting New Zealand to 251/7 before chasing down the target with four wickets in hand. Rohit set the foundation with a captain’s innings, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja finished the job, guiding India to 254/6 with an over to spare.

This victory adds to India’s recent ICC success, following their T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, where Rohit bid farewell to the shortest format.

“Enjoyment is Key to Success” – Rohit

Reflecting on India’s performance, Rohit credited the team’s depth, understanding, and enjoyment as key factors behind their continued success.

“There’s too much outside pressure and speculation, but we focus on winning and enjoying the game. That’s how we want to play our cricket,” he said.

With an ODI career spanning 273 matches since 2007, Rohit has amassed 11,168 runs, including his record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. He also expressed pride in India’s remarkable consistency, having reached the final of all four major ICC tournaments in recent years.

“I’m really proud to be the captain of this team. Reaching the finals of four major tournaments shows how consistent we are as a unit,” he added.

With Rohit still at the helm, India’s dominance in world cricket looks set to continue.

(Source: ICC)