Salim Faisal Al-Huz secured third place in the 25th edition of the Fazza Championship for Yola and the 21st season of the Maidan program, under the Fazza Championships Management at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage. This came after he outperformed Mubarak Mohammed Al-Shamsi in the penultimate episode. The identity of the champion who will be crowned with the 'Golden Fazza Cup' on the 30th of this month is now eagerly awaited. Al-Huz (Dubai) achieved 85 points, compared to 25 points for Al-Shamsi (Abu Dhabi). The challenges kicked off with Yola to the tune of the song 'Salt of the Emirates,' with lyrics by the CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage, Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, and performed by artist Mehad Hamad, with music by the Ambassador of Melodies, Faisal Al-Said. In their last appearance of the season, the two participants delivered the best possible performance, excelling in a display that received a strong reaction from the stands, which were filled with crowds passionate about these traditional sports. Khalifa bin Sabeen, who is judging this competition, awarded the points in favor of Al-Huz. In the 'Shadda' assembly challenge, both contestants successfully completed it within the allotted time to earn their points. In the swimming challenge, Al-Huz outperformed his opponent, adding 15 points to his score, while Al-Shamsi managed to score in the poetry recitation challenge to re-enter the competition. In the archery challenge, Al-Huz was superior again, earning 15 points, and also won the camel race, securing 20 points. Natalie Joseph Ovadian, Director of the Broadcasting, Media, and Corporate Communication Department and Head of the Tournament's Organizing Committee at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Centre for Heritage, stated that preparations for the final episode at Maidan Fort in the Heritage Village in Al-Rimam began well in advance, aiming to provide a finale worthy of the championship's history and value. She added that the final episode's production was carefully designed to reflect the identity of Emirati heritage through the participation of a select group of artists, the selection of the most beautiful lyrics of authentic Emirati songs, and the evocation of traditional poetry linked to the national memory, along with qualitative surprises that will be revealed progressively. Ovadian noted that the final episode will witness strong and open competition among the finalists of the Golden Fazza Cup, which receives special attention as it crowns a championship considered the oldest and most prestigious in the region. She highlighted that the final will represent the culmination of a full season's work and efforts, and therefore, there is a keen desire for the conclusion to be worthy of the name, history, and standing of the Fazza Yola Championship among the public. • 85 points secured Salim Faisal Al-Huz's third place. Natalie Ovadian: 'The final will represent the culmination of a full season's work and efforts... and the conclusion will be worthy of this ancient 'championship's' name.'
