Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, last night attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, which saw the participation of around 5,000 athletes from 63 countries, including the UAE.

The game’s competitions, which will continue until 27th September, were launched by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, President of Turkmenistan, with the attendance of presidents of several countries and public and sporting personalities.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said:'' The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games of 2017 are held for the first time in the state representing Central Asia. For the first time in history these competitions, besides delegations of the Asian continent, sportsmen from 19 states of Oceania will also be taking part in them. The subject of special pride is that for the first time the team of refugees participates in the Asian games as well.'' ''In the modern world sports should be a significant component of international cooperation, bringing a powerful contribution to formation of atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. Sportsmen - ambassadors of peace. With their skill and ability they in fair rivalry confirm principles of the Olympic movement, serve an example for the youth in formation of an active, creative vital position, friendly and valid relation with other people,'' he stated in his welcome address at the official opening ceremony, on Sunday night.

President of the Asian Olympic Council Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah also addressed to the participants.

''I am confident that we will be the witnesses of really breath-taking and successful Games, he said. He welcomed the sportsmen from Oceania and refugees team who will be participating in the Asian Games for the first time,''he said.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan; Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary-General of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare; Abdul Mohsen Al Doseri, Assistant Secretary-General of Sports Affairs at the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare; Brigadier Abdul Malek Jani, Deputy Head of the UAE Delegation, and Ahmed Al Tayeb, Director of the Delegation.

Taleb Al Karbi, world champion, national Jiu-Jitsu team member and black belt holder, carried the UAE flag in the parade of the participating countries.

The delegation of the National Olympic Committee is participating in the Asian Games with 96 athletes, 68 male and 28 female players, in seven disciplines: indoor football, Jiu-Jitsu, athletics, cycling, bowling, chess and cue sports.

On the occasion, Hassan Abdullah Al Adab, the UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan, stressed that sports has reached this level in the UAE thanks to the continuous support of the wise leadership to athletes in the country. He also expressed his happiness on seeing the UAE flag flying at this great event that is witnessing the participation of 63 countries.

"As a diplomatic mission, we feel pride and honour when seeing the UAE’s flag on the medal podiums, and we await these moments. Our leadership has provided all their means to our athletes to achieve the best results and register titles and obtain medals, and it has never withheld anything from its children in all areas of life, whether in science, technology or sports, as long as the purpose is to represent the country, raise its name and achieve advancement, excellence and prosperity," he said.

The competitors of the National Jiu-Jitsu Team continued to practice their favourite hobby by winning medals in various continental and international events. The team has succeeded in winning medals in the competitions of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, with two gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals.

On the first day, the national team participated with 12 men and women athletes contesting in six weight categories.

Taleb Al Karbi managed to win the gold medal in the under 69kg category. Faisal Al Ketbi succeeded in clinching the gold in the under 94kg weight category by defeating compatriot Zayed Al Kaabi, who had to settle for the silver medal.

Khalfan Belhoul took the silver medal in the under 85kg category, while Yahia Al Hammadi and Saud Al Hammadi each took the bronze medals in the over 94kg and under 77kg category, respectively.

Bashayer Al Matroushi sprang a great surprise by winning the bronze medal after defeating Turkmenistani player, who had the resounding support of the audience, thus adding the first women’s medal for the UAE in the games.