Sports
UAE women’s team takes Asia Rugby by storm
[ad_1]
File / WAM
This week, the UAE Women’s Rugby team picked up third place in the Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.
When they returned, ARN News’ Noni Edwards got some time to chat with the president of Asia Rugby, Qais Al Dhalai, who has risen through the ranks of UAE rugby to take on the leading role in Asia.
Despite overseeing rugby for the entire continent, Al Dhalai still expresses pride in his fellow Emirati players.
“Who would ever imagine that Emirati girls would play rugby one day? Now we have a full Emirati squad. Among the team that went to Jakarta there are three Emirati girls. That’s a success story. The same thing is happening in India, in Indonesia, Guam, Brunei, KyrgyZstan, Jordan and Palestine,” he marvelled.
Gender equity has been a priority for him since assuming the presidency.
His goal was to have 40 per cent of committee positions filled by women by the end of his term in 2024. He Is halfway through that timeframe and well ahead of target.
“When I was elected in November 2019, it was around 5 per cent. We have increased the number of female representation on all committees from 5 per cent to 33 per cent and I’m looking forward to achieving 40 per cent when my term comes to an end after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” said Al Dhalai.
Al Dhalai is Dubai-born, bred – and based and he rose through the ranks of the local game, before becoming President of Asia Rugby.
Administration of rugby in Asia presents its own challenges. According to Asia Rugby’s statistics, the continent of Asia comprises 60 per cent of the world’s population and 80 per cent of the world’s youth but they only contributed 7.5 per cent of the world rugby playing population as of their last count.
He says Asia isn’t like other continents that have indigenous players playing at grassroots level.
“Asia is an emerging continent, the sport needs more understanding of athletes from different cultures. The good thing that I’m very proud of is that when I was elected in November 2019, there were 29 member countries of Asia Rugby, now we are 36,” said Al Dhalai.
He also said rugby, and sport in general, was a way of bridging cultures.
“Asia is the biggest continent in the world, multinational and multicultural, this causes a lot of challenges, but at the same time it’s something that can help people’s lives and improve people’s lives,” he explained.
[ad_2]
Source link
As Norway Chess 2026 gets underway in Oslo, all eyes are once again on the growing rivalry between D. Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen, a clash that has become one of modern chess’s biggest storylines.
Tournament organisers have confirmed the reigning world champion and former world number one will face each other twice during this year’s event, first on May 28 and again on June 5.
The rematch already carries extra intrigue after last year’s dramatic showdown, when Carlsen reacted emotionally after losing to the teenage Indian sensation, a moment that quickly went viral across the sporting world.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Gukesh kept things calm when asked whether he expected another fiery reaction from the Norwegian superstar.
“My job is to play chess. That is within my control,” said the 19-year-old world champion, who turns 20 later this week.
But the Indian grandmaster also admitted that moments of emotion and rivalry are helping chess attract a wider audience globally.
“Chess players generally don’t show a lot of emotions, but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess,” Gukesh said.
“I feel that chess players generally expressing more is fun to watch.”
This year’s tournament also marks a major commercial moment for the sport. Earlier this year, Erling Haaland invested in Norway Chess and its new Total Chess World Championship Tour project, another sign of chess crossing deeper into mainstream global sport.
The event has also started building stronger Gulf connections. Last year’s Norway Chess Open featured Rouda Al Serkal, the GCC’s first woman grandmaster, reflecting the UAE’s growing presence in international chess.
The 2026 edition features another elite field in both the Open and Women’s tournaments.
In the Open section, Carlsen opens against Alireza Firouzja, while Gukesh begins his campaign against Vincent Keymer. R Praggnanandhaa will face Wesley So.
The women’s competition includes reigning world champion Ju Wenjun, Koneru Humpy, Anna Muzychuk and rising Indian star Divya Deshmukh.
Running until June 5, Norway Chess continues to position itself as one of the sport’s premier events, blending elite competition, viral rivalries and growing global appeal far beyond the traditional chess audience.
Photo credit: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza
Here’s when Eid Al Adha prayers will begin across the UAE
Inside Dubai’s massive push to plant thousands of vibrant flame trees
Sharjah residents get new fitness destination at Green Belt Park
-
Health7 months agoFrom botox to biohacking: How this new clinic in Dubai is redefining ageing
-
News6 months agoUAE travel alert: Heavy fog hits Dubai and Sharjah airports, passengers urged to check flight status
-
News6 months agoDubai launches shared taxi service from DWTC and Al Maktoum Airport to cut traffic and fares