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Sergiu Toma's achievement draws praise

It has been a long wait for Sergiu Toma and the UAE, a medal that was always there after having done so well at all the world meets building up towards the Rio Olympics. Toma was distinctly unlucky after the Gold Score exit in the semis. To our leaders and all who have helped the UAE gain the second ever medal in the Olympics, we at the federation are most grateful. A great night for us here and back home in the UAE.
Nasser Al Tamimi, secretary general of the UAE Judo, Wrestling & Kick Boxing Federation
This will encourage all the new young judokas who will join the national squad before the World Judo Championship in 2017 to prepare them for the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics, so that they gain more experience before competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and beyond."
Khalil Dagher
A great moment in sport for the UAE. We feel like one family on an occasion like this when celebrations are meant for everyone connected with the UAE - Emiratis, expats and visitors. Sergiu Toma is a role model."
Kaneez
A moment we have all been waiting for all these years. The second Olympic medal after 12 long years. It's a great feeling for all Emiratis and the people living in the country. Sports will always bring people together wherever they are."
Hemant Baheti
All of us are equally thrilled. Toma's bronze is a not a question of just an Olympic medal. It's all about the team spirit the various people have shown starting from the parents, friends, leaders, coaches, countries and officials."
Yahya Mohamed Saleh
Simply goes to show what encouragement and wise leadership can result in. Sergiu Toma's Olympic bronze is not just a timely gift for UAE judo but also for the whole sporting fraternity in our country. With will and hard work nothing is impossible to achieve."
Murr bin Hariz
I am into water sports and we Emiratis take great pride in all kinds of sporting activity. What an achievement after Shaikh Ahmed's Olympic gold way back, in Athens. His path to success is an example for all of us young Emiratis."
Gustavo 'Guga' Zloccowick
Sergiu Toma taking second medal for the UAE is the best news in long time for me. I was expecting a medal from him. This is surely the best thing for the country.
Anurag Kala