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Adnec praises UAE judoka Humaid

ABU DHABI — UAE judoka champion Humaid Al Derei who qualified for the London Olympics from his wild card entry into the 2011 world championships will keep the nation’s flag flying high at the ExCeL London promoted venue.

He will take on the world’s best in the men’s 66kg category at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec)-owned ExCeL London facility.

Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, board member of ExCeL London and managing director of Adnec, said: “This is a historic achievement for the UAE. It is the first time in history that a UAE judo competitor has qualified for the Olympics since the sport was incorporated into the UAE sports union in 2000.”

ExCeL London is preparing to host seven Olympic and six Paralympic games disciplines across 100,000sqm at the facility — the largest competition venue at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

Adnec has owned ExCeL London since 2008 and it has made significant investments in improving the venue in anticipation of the Games. More than 70,000 visitors per day are expected to visit London ExCeL during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The event will be covered live by 26 TV stations bringing it to more than 1.5 billion people across the globe. More than 14,000 athletes from around the world will be participating at ExCeL London.

Al Derei has a tough task ahead as he strives to beat the competition and raise the UAE flag at ExCeL London.

His goal is to take home one of the three medals in the men’s 66kg category.

He said: “The support and fantastic trainers that have been provided to me by the UAE have been key in helping me get to this stage. I am proud to be representing my country as I compete against the world’s best at Adnec’s ExCeL London.” As part of Adnec, ExCeL London helps promote Abu Dhabi as a destination for exhibitions and international events in line with the Abu Dhabi government’s 2030 Vision.

sports@khaleejtimes.com