- Sharjah Women’s Sports Team beat Al Wasl in all-UAE semi-final while Bahrain Club defeat FBMA Team at Abu Dhabi’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
Abu Dhabi, 31st August 2022: Sharjah Women’s Sports Team and Bahrain Club booked their place in the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) GCC Volleyball Cup for Ladies final after winning their respective semi-final matches in Abu Dhabi.
At the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, Bahrain Club beat FBMA Team in straight sets while Sharjah Women’s Sports Team came out on top against Al Wasl in the all-UAE last-four encounter.
Bahrain’s impressive 3-0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-4) victory against a spirited FBMA Team meant they extended their winning streak in the tournament after winning both their group stage matches against Kuwait’s Salwa Al Sabah and Sharjah Women’s Sports Team.
Speaking of the result, Bahrain coach Younis Al Haddar, said: “We are very happy that we have won this match especially after we won both matches in the group stage. We stuck to our game plan and our players played exceptionally well against a very good side in FBMA. It is important that we continue this when we play in the final as that is another important game for us.”
The second semi-final saw Sharjah Women’s Sports Team overcome Al Wasl 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 25-17, 25-19) in a closely-fought and entertaining match.
Sharjah player Ryam Al Suwaidi was delighted with the result. She said: “This is a big win as it was against a very good side who made it difficult for us. Every match is tough and this was no different. We remained focused and performed well as a team and happy to have won. Of course, it’s a magical feeling to do this in the semi-final and we are looking forward to the final and hoping that we can win.”
Among the spectators inside the venue to watch the action were Her Excellency Naema Al Mansoori, FBMA Board Member who was joined by representatives from participating clubs, UAE federations and sports clubs.
The tournament has attracted six teams from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. FBMA Team, Al Wasl and Sharjah Women’s Sports Team are UAE’s representatives with Kuwait’s Al Sabah, Bahrain Club and Saudi Noura Club also featuring.
Organisers Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy has forged key collaborations with leading organisations across the UAE to help deliver a successful tournament. Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the Endorsing Partner while the UAE Volleyball Federation and the International Vision Investment are the Official Partners. Abu Dhabi Sports TV is the Official Media Partner, Presidential Court is the Platinum Partner, Emirates Transport is the Official Transportation Partner while Burjeel Holdings is the Official Medical Partner.
Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy is also grateful to the Emirati Marshals Volunteers who are giving up their time and energy to be part of this event.
About Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) is a not-for-profit Government entity of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Established in October 2010, the Academy is headed by its Chairwoman, H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazaa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is dedicated to promoting and facilitating women’s sports in the UAE. The FBMA strives to make sports an element of daily life for UAE national women of all age, background, and physical condition; to encourage Emirati women to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, and to further instil the values of sport in the public consciousness of the UAE. The FBMA serves this significant mission by hosting a number of local, regional and international sports events; facilitating community activities; managing and developing local talent and through its education and research work.