Spectacular opening marks Arab Women Sports tournament

A karate demo marks the opening ceremony of the Arab Women Sports Tournament being held in Shjarjah.

The fourth and largest edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) got off to a spectacular opening held at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah on Friday.
Themed 'The World Is Your Court - Together Victorious', the tournament will be held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Committee for Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Sharjah Women Sports Foundation is hosting 68 clubs from 16 countries and 1,000 athletes and administrative personnel taking part - a 70% increase on the last edition.
Organised by the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, the 11-day event runs until February 12, where the athletes will compete in nine sports, namely; basketball, volleyball, table tennis, fencing, archery, shooting, athletics, show-jumping and for the very first time Karate.
Representatives of the athletes, referees and judges took the athletic oath expressing their commitment to honest and fair competition as well as a true sense of integrity. In his opening address, Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad bin Sultan Al Qasimi welcomed all Arab competitors and guests to Sharjah, sharing the message of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, saying: "Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi's thoughts share an immense pride towards what Sharjah has accomplished in its dedicated care and support towards the women in sports."
For her part, Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa underscored that the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi in leading the support and development of Arab women in sports has contributed significantly to the Arab sports industry and has strengthened the sportsmanship among our Arab neighbours.
She said: "AWST 2018 reflects the growth of the female sports industry across the Arab region, and the significant attention and support it has received from female athletes and sports associations across the region. This year, AWST celebrates the addition of a new game, totalling the number of sports to 9, and celebrates being environmentally friendly, all initiatives to create a competitive and clean sports atmosphere for all players."
Representatives of the participating delegations expressed their appreciation to Sharjah for organising the largest event of its kind in the Arab world and commended the efforts of the management and the organisers.
On Sunday, Jeddah United Club will face Kuwait's Girl Club, while Bahraini Mawaheb Club will play against Somali Mogadishu Club, and Sharjah Sports Club for Women is set to face Jordanian Fuheis Club.
The competitions will take place in 10 venues around Sharjah; the SWSF hall will host volleyball training and matches, and the Sharjah Sports Club - Samnan Branch - will host basketball training and matches, while Al Dhaid Sports Club will feature the shooting competitions, Rifle 10m, Pistol 10m and Pistol 25m.
The fencing matches will take place at the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah hall, while the athletics training and events will be held at Al Thiqah Club for the Handicapped. Table tennis competitions will take place at the Higher Colleges of Technology hall, while show-jumping will be held at the Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, and finally Karate will be hosted at the Sharjah Sports Club - Al Hazana branch.