DUBAI, 20th April, 2025 (WAM) -- The United Arab Emirates has achieved a new milestone in the field of mind sports, with its mixed bridge team officially qualifying for the 47th World Bridge Championship, organised by the World Bridge Federation (WBF).

The championship is scheduled to be held in Herning, Denmark, from 20th to 31st August 2025.

The team is composed of six players (three men and three women), including both Emirati citizens and permanent residents, all officially eligible to represent the UAE in international competitions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the World Bridge Federation.

The team secured its qualification after participating in the Asia and Middle East Bridge Championship, hosted in Dubai from 10th to 18th April 2025.

The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and was attended by several distinguished figures, including: Ghanem Al Hajeri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Sports; Eric Laurent, Vice President of the World Bridge Federation; Bahjat Al-Majali, President of the Asia and Middle East Bridge Federation; Dr. Saif Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation.

The championship witnessed intense competition among teams from 10 different countries.

The participating countries were: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Syria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

At the conclusion of the championship, Taryam Matar, President of the UAE Chess Federation, attended to honour the participating and qualifying teams.

The teams that qualified for the World Championship are: 4 teams from India, 2 teams from Bangladesh, 1 team from the UAE, 1 team from Pakistan.

Ahmed Mohammed Al-Madfa, Chairman of the UAE Bridge Committee operating under the UAE Chess Federation, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating, "We are proud of our team's qualification for the World Championship and look forward to representing the UAE honorably and raising its flag high on the international stage."

He also extended his gratitude to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his patronage, and to the Ministry of Sports for their continued efforts in supporting mind sports, which helped foster a competitive and motivating environment at the highest level.

The UAE mixed team had previously represented the country at the BFAME Championship held in Pakistan, where they successfully qualified for the World Championship in Marrakech, demonstrating consistency and progress in performance.

This achievement marks a significant milestone that enhances the UAE's standing as a global hub for intellectual and strategic sports. It reflects the country's inclusive vision that supports both citizens and residents in fulfilling their aspirations to represent the nation on international platforms.

The qualified team includes the following members: Nermeen Qassem (Team Captain), Homayoun Soumar, Hazem Ghoneim, Elvan Edis, Tim Edis, Azza Sawaf.

The delegation to the World Championship will be headed by Ahmed Mohammed Al-Madfa.

Bridge is considered an internationally recognized mind sport by the International Olympic Committee. The headquarters of the World Bridge Federation is located in Lausanne, Switzerland - a city renowned as a global centre for intellectual sports.