Major General M. Ismail Al-Karkawi, President of the UAE and Arab Basketball Federations, expressed his regret for the absence of UAE clubs from the 34th Arab Championship, which will be held in Kuwait during the period from 5 – 15 of next October, with the participation of 16 teams, which is a record number that reflects the keenness and competition of Arab teams to be present in this great sporting event. Stressing the keenness of our wise leadership to be present in Arab, continental and international competitions and expressing the great progress we are achieving at all levels, including the sports sector, which the wise leadership gives great importance to it, it was reflected positively on our external participations and led us to many results and achievements. He added: When we contacted the ancient Sharjah Club, which enjoys the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness was keen to pay attention to all games in all the clubs of the Emirate, and as a result of this support and interest, it was natural for the Emirate to have the title of the Capital of Arab Sports Culture, which You will witness a big celebration on this occasion during the month of November. From here, we set out to choose the team for several considerations. In addition to the legacy of these huge sports and cultural institution, especially in the field of basketball, we took into account the ability of the team to honorably represent the state in a major sporting event hosted by the Kuwaiti brothers with whom we have a relationship. It is historical and we are interested in being essential supporters for the success of the tournament, especially since Sharjah is our most representative club of the country in foreign forums, specifically the Arab ones in the last five years, and won the Gulf title in 2018 and 2019. He previously participated last year in the last Arab championship in Alexandria, despite the difficult circumstances he faced before travelling to the bride of the Mediterranean and remind everyone that Sharjah is the only Emirati team who won the Arab Championship that was held in the capital Abu Dhabi in 2011. Al-Karkawi continued, saying that participation in the upcoming Arab Clubs Championship provides our clubs with the opportunity to interact with strong teams in the field of the game, which is reflected positively on them in local competitions, indicating that there are Arab clubs that announced their participation despite the harsh conditions that her country is going through, foremost of which is the financial conditions. Al-Karkawi concluded his remarks, calling on the Emirati clubs to reconsider the issue of apologizing for foreign participation and to be keen to be present in the Arab championships whose federation is led by one of the Emirates’ sons.
