Our Olympic gold medalist Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum, expressed his deep pleasure for being in London as part of the UAE delegation taking part in 30th London Olympic Games 2012; marking the fourth time for him to represent his nation in the Olympic Games, though this time as a coach.
Bin Hasher praised the organization of this edition of the Games and said: "The shooting range is perfect as it conforms to the legal standards and has the visibility, so there seems no factor impacting athletes or causing difficulty for Trap and Double Trap shooters. There will be no excuse for shooters but Skeet shooters might encounter a relative difficulty due to the background colour of the shooting range and skeets."
About his opinion as a coach in the participation of Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum in the Double Trap events in this edition of the Games, Bin Hasher said: "From inception I have been keen on communicating the tactics that we have been seeking to establish over two months directly on this range, and ensuring that no change will be made to the plans we set from day one of my assuming this responsibility."
"Thanks God Sheikh Juma has acclimatized to this range and is psychologically happy with the stay and arrangements of the delegation in London as he is accustomed to the weather of London and his only concern and obsession was to get to the range on the right time," he added.
Bin Hasher was fully satisfied with the performance shown by Sheikh Juma since assuming the coaching responsibility, whether in the participation of the Grand Prix events or the current training in London; which augurs well for our chances. "If Sheikh Juma continues at this form and level in the competitions while being psychologically tuned, he will have his footprints in the finals, and possibly make his way to the dais, God willing," he commented.
Bin Hasher stressed on the psychological factor in this event and stressed that during the remaining period emphasis will be on building the psychological confidence gained by Sheikh Juma in order to ease the psychological pressure resulting from the countdown of the official events.
About the odds of Arab shooters in the Games, Bin Hasher said: "They are the ones to beat in this edition of the Games more than any time before as they are good in numbers and showed high performance levels, namely Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum, the Kuwait shooter Abdulla Al Rashidi, Qatari Skeet shooter Nasir Al Attiyah, and Faid Al Daihani in Double Trap; all of whom are respected and seasoned names in the world of shooting besides the bold show made Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum."
In conclusion Bin Hasher wished good results for Arab shooters in general and that Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum and Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum to make their presence felt and make their way through the presentation stage.
Al Matyooee to hoist the UAE Flag today
According to the established protocols in the Olympic Village and as per the official calendar made by the Organizing Committee, the protocols of hoisting the UAE Flag will be made today (Saturday 21 July) in the Olympic Park which will embrace most the sporting events of London Olympics at Stratford. The flag will be hoisted by H.E. Abdul Rahman Ghanim Al Matyooee, Ambassador of the UAE to the UK, in the presence of the Mayor of the Village, administrative delegation, athletes, embassy staff and office of HH the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in London.
Media delegation arrives
The Media Delegation that will cover the London Olympics 2012 has arrived in London yesterday Friday comprising reporters Sabri Ali, and Ibrahim Shukr Allah in addition to photographers Mustafa Ahmed, and Nasir Al Mansouri; who will be joined later by Hassan Rifaat, Salim Al Naqbi and photographer Adel Al Nuaimi.
Shooters continue training
Our skeet shooters were the first to arrive in London with Sheikh Juma bin Dalmouk arriving 4 days ago, and joined by Dhahir Al Uriani along with his Uzbekistani coach Rustum, while our national coach and gold medalist Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum oversees the training of Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with the administrator Rabi Al Awadi and coach Laynos, are due to arrive tomorrow from their overseas training camp in Italy.
Smooth procedures
From the moment they touched base in the British capital London, the participants were surprised with the smooth processes in Heathrow Airport; which lasted just few minutes even those who registration issues; a matter which left a good impression among all individuals.
The procedures of entering the Olympic Village was equally easy and trouble-free and even took no extra time as it was just as long as the formalities taken in the Airport; which is a credit to the Organizing Committee.
Strategic location for our sports delegation
Our administrative delegation was highly successful in selecting a strategic venue as a residence of our sports delegation taking part in the Olympic Games at the Olympic Village as it is situated besides the Main Restaurant, Medical Center, Village Center and other facilities.
The venue saw yesterday a series of preparatory meeting for hosting athletes as per the timeline set for each. The work team was steered successfully and dynamically by Advisor Mohammed Al Kamali, Chef De Mission as well as other team members including Obaid Al Saheb, Nasir Ghareeb and Hani Abdullah.
Al Serkal in touch with UAE Delegation
H.E. Yousef Yaqoob Al Serkal, 1st Vice President of the UAE National Olympic Committee was keen on contacting our administrative and sports delegation currently staying in London to ensure that all preparations are going on the right direction as to their stay. He passed his regards through Advisor Mohammed Al Kamali to all members of the delegation. Al Serkal will catch up with the delegation during the next two days.