Page 171 - MOS PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/6/25, 10:31 AM Minister of Sports honours winners of inaugural edition of UAE University Games
volleyball titles to secure second place overall. The University of Rochester

rounded out the top three.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi hailed the Games as a key

step in realising the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He noted that the

participation of more than 1,800 students from 28 universities reflected the growing

importance of university sports in shaping a healthy, active, and socially responsible

generation.

He underlined the tournament's contribution to building a sustainable sports culture

that spans all levels of education, complementing efforts such as the UAE School

Games to identify and nurture national athletic talent capable of competing at

regional and global levels, including the Olympics.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum described the University Games as a

foundational pillar in creating a comprehensive and integrated university sports

ecosystem. He praised the synergy between academic institutions and sports

federations in delivering a successful inaugural edition.

Sheikh Suhail highlighted the importance of aligning the university-level sports
pathway with international best practices and partnerships in talent development

and performance analysis. He emphasised that the tournament's outcomes reflected
effective institutional collaboration and national integration, affirming the UAE's

broader vision of empowering Emirati youth and supporting national teams with
homegrown champions.

The first edition of the University Games brought together 1,585 students from 28

universities, showcasing high levels of competition and enthusiasm. Organisers

have expressed their intent to build on this momentum in future editions, solidifying

university sports as a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting and youth development

landscape.

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