Allanjawi Tops Podium in Jet Ski

Ali Allanjawi led a banner day for the UAE at the Asian Games as the nation won two golds and three silvers in Jakarta on Friday.

Allanjawi kicked off the success in the Jet Ski competition, beating his international rivals from Indonesian and Thailand with a decisive round after topping the ranking despite a troubled start.

He made his way from sixth position in the first minutes before making progress against established competitors and finally taking the gold medal.

“Winning the gold medal is attributed to the concerted efforts of the technical, administrative and media, and it was my turn to translate such efforts into a gold medal,” Allanjawi said. “As such it is the team spirit and acting as a single family that has paved the way for the achievement.”

Ghanim Al Marri, Head of the Marine Sports Delegation, praised Allanjawi’s triump, saying: “It equals eight medals as it culminates massive and exceptional efforts amid huge challenges and tough competitors from China and Indonesia who were right with the champion up to the last second.

“He was up to the challenge despite being lashed with a penalty in the first minutes, but his will and determination was bigger and succeeded in the final minutes to beat the world champs and win the gold medal, the first for the UAE in these Games.”

Ahmed Al Tayeb, Chef de Mission of the UAE Delegation, added: “It was an unprecedented achievement considering the late start of Allanjawi due to the penalty, but his comeback confirms the ability of our athletes who are here to deliver and raise the state flag and make their way to the podium.”