UAE Committee Launches ‘Pathway for Sports Champion’ Program to Empower National Athletes
The UAE Committee for Talent and Sports Support (UAETSS) has launched the ‘Pathway for Sports Champion’ program, a nationwide initiative aimed at developing a new generation of elite athletes across the emirates. The program was unveiled during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Sports headquarters in Dubai. The event was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of UAETSS; H.E. Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation; and Safa Taryam, CEO of Elite Sport UAE (ESUAE). Representatives from various sports federations, ministry officials, and media were also present.
Three standout young athletes—Riyan Malhan (badminton), Hussein Shawqi (swimming), and Max Hoehn (triathlon)—were selected for the program’s first phase, reflecting their strong performances at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, where Malhan and Shawqi reached the podium.
A coordinated national pathway for athlete development
Designed as a comprehensive support system, the program provides specialized training, regional and international camps, and professional technical and administrative guidance. It aims to elevate UAE athletes to elite and global competitive levels, forming a unified national pathway from talent discovery to Olympic-level performance.
The initiative is part of the Ministry of Sports’ wider strategy to build an advanced sporting ecosystem capable of competing internationally. It aligns with the UAE National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to qualify more than 30 Emirati athletes for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Leadership statements
H.E. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum emphasized that the program marks a significant step toward establishing a sustainable system for identifying and nurturing sports talent across the nation.
He said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to guiding athletes from foundational training to high-performance levels through long-term planning and world-class expertise.
He also praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Sports, the UAE National Olympic Committee, sports councils, clubs, federations, and private academies, highlighting their role in advancing the competitiveness of UAE sports.
Safa Taryam noted that the collaboration between UAETSS and Elite Sport UAE represents a milestone in the national athlete development framework.
She said the program plays a crucial role in transitioning athletes from talent stages to elite levels, supported by scientific assessments, personalized training plans, and comprehensive technical, nutritional, psychological, and competitive preparation.
A sustainable system for future champions
Under the program, UAETSS and Elite Sport UAE will cooperate to advance athletes who show significant progress, ensuring a seamless pathway leading toward Olympic qualification. The system is designed to help athletes gain exposure to world-class training and international competition environments.
Established in 2021, UAETSS continues to serve as a bridge between emerging UAE talent and the professional sporting world. Its initiatives focus on training, local and international camps, integrated support systems, competitive opportunities, and strengthening partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
Elite Sport UAE, one of the initiatives under the National Sports Strategy 2031, supports elite athletes and sports federations through intensive preparation programs aimed at boosting the UAE’s representation in major international and Olympic competitions.
