UAE at the Olympics

On the eve of the 2008 Olympics, its only apt that we discuss the hopes and aspirations of UAE at Beijing.

UAE is a relatively recent entrant into the Olympic arena having participated for the first time at the 1984 Summer Olympics at Los Angeles. But since than it's athletes have made their mark with the first gold medal claimed within 20 years at the Athens Olympics.

When Shaikh Ahmad Al Maktoum won the gold medal in the Men's Double Trap event, it was a turning point in the history of sports in the country.

As UAE's sporting warriors embark upon yet another journey at Beijing, the residents wait in hope of a scintillating performance (and at least another medal)

Here is a list of UAE's medal hopefuls:

Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid

Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid will be leading the team as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. The captain of UAE's national ladies team in martial arts will compete for victory in the 67 kgs taekwondo category. A versatile exponent of martial arts, she won the silver medal in karate in the 2006 Asian Games

Shaikh Ahmed Al Maktoum

Shaikh Ahmed will be back at the Olympics to defend the gold medal he won 4 years back. “Any time I have gone out, I have felt it is my duty and responsibility to add something new to my life and bring glory and honour to my country,” said Shaikh Ahmad in Gulf News (www.gulfnews.com)

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum will be participating in the Olympics for the third time after making his debut at the Sydney in 2000. He won the gold at the 2006 Asian shooting Championships in 2003 and silver at the Doha Asian Games in 2006

A bounty of 1 million dirhams awaits a gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics.... and pride and glory for all of UAE

This will probably the only post without photos!!