Umar Kremlev, AIBA President, met with the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Fujairah to discuss ambitious plans to develop boxing in the United Arab Emirates.
Comprehensive sports facilities and infrastructure have recently been completed in the region after receiving personal support from the Crown Prince. As a result, the two leaders have announced the creation of an annual international tournament to take place in Fujairah for all AIBA member countries.
Mr Kremlev commented “I am grateful for a productive meeting and new perspectives for boxing in the Middle East. Sports events will provide a stream of tourism. It will be convenient for athletes to fly here due to good visa conditions. With the personal support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, we will popularise our sport among young people, more champions will appear.”
As well as attracting international visitors, the Crown Prince is also keen to promote boxing within the UAE and develop home-grown talent. He advised “We want to raise our champions here in our Emirate. We are going to make a big boxing centre, a boxing academy, to include boxing in school and university programs. Boxing is a discipline that teaches to be a patriot of the country.”
Whilst full details of the international tournament are still in the planning stage, the first event will take place in just a few months in May 2021.