The UAE NOC has unveiled a new Olympic Players Committee ©UAE NOC

Cyclist Yousif Mirza is among a group of athletes who is part of the Olympic Players Committee, announced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Olympic Committee.

Three-time Asian champion Mirza is joined by equestrian athlete Mohammed Al Nakhi, wrestler Faisal Al Ketbi, shooter Saif bin Fetais, footballer Ali Khasif, karateka Hawra Al Ajmi, and boxer Fahima Falaknaz.

The main role of the newly formed Olympic Players Committee will be to advice the UAE NOC on how to protect athletes on and off the playing field, represent their likes and interests, and maintain contact with the Athletes Committee of the International Olympic Committee.

Meanwhile, H.E. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Al Qasimi has been appointed as the chairman of the executive team for the 8th edition of the National Sports Day Initiative.

The decisions were made during virtual conference chaired by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, first deputy-president of the UAE NOC.

Cyclist Yousif Mirza is among a group of athletes who is part of the Olympic Players Committee of the UAE NOC ©Getty Images
Cyclist Yousif Mirza is among a group of athletes who is part of the Olympic Players Committee of the UAE NOC ©Getty Images

The virtual meeting also discussed the UAE’s preparations for major events, including the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

The meeting also focussed on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the various sports forums between the two events that will see representation from UAE.

UAE made its Asian Games debut in 1978 and has won 27 medals, including four golds, so far.

They Gulf nation has two medals, of which one is gold, at the Summer Olympics.

Hangzhou 2022 is scheduled to be held from September 23 to October 8 this year.

The Summer Olympics in Paris is scheduled from July 26 to August 11.