The UAE modern pentathlon team has departed for South Africa to participate in the World Championship, which will be held from December 8 to 13. The competition program includes biathle (running and swimming), triathle (running, shooting, and swimming), and laser-run (running and shooting). The tournament will feature 1800 athletes from various countries around the world. The team delegation consists of six athletes: Hamad Hamad Al-Qaidi, Muhammad Khalid Al-Qaidi, Said Omar Al-Kotbi (under 9 years old), Ziyad Omar Al-Kotbi, Salem Tamim Al-Kotbi, and Hamid Said Al-Kotbi (under 13 years old). The delegation also includes coach Muhammad Qasim Khalil, Ahmed Al-Badi, a member of the federation's board of directors and head of the referees committee, and Adnan Al-Hashemi, a board member and assistant secretary-general. Dr. Hida Al-Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation, stated that this edition of the championship garners special interest as it is the first time in the history of the sport that such a large-scale global event is being held. In her press statements, she said: "The championship is extremely beneficial for our young athletes at the beginning of their journey in modern pentathlon." She added: "This year's championship is exceptional as it will, for the first time, see athletes with disabilities compete on the same fields of play as able-bodied athletes. A new track has been designated for wheelchair users to ensure safety and smooth flow, while other athletes with disabilities will compete on the main track and in the same swimming lane as the other athletes."
