In a significant turn of events, Major General Dr. Mohammed Al-Murr has retained the presidency of the Athletics Federation following a decisive victory in the recent elections. This triumph, part of an extraordinary general assembly dedicated to selecting a new governing body for the federation from 2025 to 2028, reinforces his commitment to the sport. During this meeting, key discussions included a special request from the Ministry of Sports aimed at enhancing athletic endeavors in the country.
Election Results and New Board Members
During the election, overseen by a dedicated committee led by Ahmed Saeed Jumaa Al-Suwaidi, Major General Dr. Mohammed Al-Murr emerged victorious with 15 votes, surpassing his competitor, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Sakkar, who garnered 8 votes. The assembly had a strong turnout, with 23 representatives from various athletics clubs in attendance, meeting the legal quorum required for a proper election.
Alongside Al-Murr’s presidency, several key positions on the board were filled: Nasser Bin Ashour from Sharjah Club won 18 votes, Faisal Al-Khameeri from Al-Mafraq Club received 16 votes, and both Fahd Abdullah from Al-Rams Club and Jamila Abdullah from Al-Nasr Club secured 14 votes each. Additionally, Rashid Nasser from Al-Arabi Club obtained 13 votes. Unfortunately, candidates Mohammed Ali Amer from Al-Wasl Club, Ali Hassan Ghazwan Al-Badawi from Hatta Club, and Omar Jumaa Al-Salfa from Shabab Al-Ahli Club did not succeed.
A Focus on Women’s Representation
In a notable achievement, Khawla Mohammed Sajwani from Sharjah Women’s Sports Club won the women’s board seat, receiving 15 votes over Noura Al-Ansari from Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, who received 8 votes. Moreover, the president is empowered to appoint two additional members outside the elected candidates, ensuring broader representation within the governance of the Athletics Federation.
Vision for the Future
Post-election, Major General Dr. Mohammed Al-Murr conveyed a visionary message to the athletics community, stating, “Our aim is to transform athletics into a beloved sport for all citizens and residents of our nation. The responsibilities ahead for the board are substantial, but with the cooperation of the clubs and the supportive sports councils, our strategies can yield meaningful outcomes.”
He also revealed a pressing concern regarding the strategy for athletics up until 2032, stating, “Prior to today’s elections, we requested the Ministry of Sports to ensure the implementation of the athletics strategy we submitted. Our desire is for the new board to uphold this strategy while remaining open to its evolution.” He expressed confidence that their governance would lead to successful results, stating, “We are accountable for its success, and we hope that everyone will soon witness positive developments in athletics within our country.”
Adding to this sentiment, Jamila Abdullah remarked on her election to the board as a significant challenge, emphasizing the importance of achieving greater accomplishments with the federation. She expressed aspirations to leverage a clear strategy and ambitious plans to reach the Los Angeles Olympic Games in the coming years.