Competition rages on and the champion has been knocked out… Hafeet Challenge enters a decisive stage
Bin Hudhairim opens Ice Hokey as part of the event’s qualitative expansion track
Hafeet Sport Challenge. To be published on| 27-2026
The competitions of “Hafeet Sport Challenge” continues to rise on the technical and organizational levels, as Ittihad Club’s Al Ghaf stadium at Zakher neighborhood witnessed the hosting of the matches of the round of 16 of the residential neighborhoods tournament, amid atmospheres characterized with high rivalry and tactical discipline with a notable social attendance, especially that the competitions are nearing a decisive stage.
The matches were attended by His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, who is the secretary general of Abu Dhabi council, and welcoming him was His Excellency Salem Rashid bin Hudhairim Al Ketbi, who is the chairman of the higher organizing committee, Rashid Abdullah, who is the CEO of Al Ain Club investment company and the manager of “Hafeet Sport Challenge”, as well as a number of members of the higher organizing committee and officials from Al Ain City Municipality and Al Ain Sports Club, in an attendance that reflects the continuous institutional support for the tournament’s journey.
The qualified teams to the quarter finals round of competitions
Matches resulted in the qualification of 8 teams to the quarter finals round of competitions, where Al Nayadat team claimed victory over Al Sa’a team with the score of (5-0), while Mirial team claimed victory over Zakher team with the score of (3-1), Um Ghaf claimed victory over Al Qawo with the score of (4-0), and Al Faqa team claimed the biggest victory of this round of competitions over Ghunaima with the score of (6-0). As for Al Hayer team, they managed to qualify after claiming victory over Falaj Hazza team with the score of (3-1), with Al Amera team claimed victory over Al Dhaher team with the score of (2-1).
Two matches were thrillingly secured via penalty kicks, where Al Markhaniya team managed to qualify after settling for a draw vs Ramlat Zakher team with the score of (1-1), then they secured match’s final result with the score of (8-7). While Al Manaser Club managed to qualify after a draw vs Al Salamat team with the score of (2-2), afterwards they claimed victory vs penalty kicks with the score of (7-6).
In an index that reflects shifting the balance of competitions during this season, where Neama team, who is the champion of the previous version, was knocked out of competitions from Group stage, they have also failed to play through the round of 16, in an emphasis over the expansion of rivalry and the rising of the technical level among the participating teams.
In the context of the tournament’s qualitative expansion, His Excellency Salem Rashid bin Hudhairim Al Ketbi opened the Ice Hockey tournament at Hili Ice Rink, in a step that reflects the diversity of games that are included in the program and the event’s continuity in attracting new segments of the society.
Regarding the reactions, Hazza Al Shiriani, who is the manager of Al Faqa team, emphasized that the current version of the tournament is witnessing an apparent improvement in comparison with the previous version, he also pointed out that the team is working, through the current season, to compete over the title and to reach the final match of the first version. He also praised the high level of the referee staffs this year, with the assistance of first class referees, as well as the quality of venues and organization, he also considered that the Ramadan atmospheres are adding a distinguished social dimension to the tournament, in light of the continuous support for the sports activities at the City of Al Ain.
In his turn, Shihab Ahmed, who is a former player for Al Ain Club and a player for Um Ghafa team, described the tournament as an “Ainawi Carnival” that reflects the spirit of the city and its sports history, he also emphasized that the event has become an annual hub awaited by everybody, thanks to its social and sports activities that contribute in boosting affiliation and pride of the city’s residents, he also expressed his expectancy to maintain the tournament’s expansion through the upcoming years.
In his turn, William Baco, who is a player for Faqa team, praised the technical level that has been delivered by his team after claiming the big victory with the score of (6-0), he also emphasized that the victory came as a result of the teamwork and the tactical discipline, he also pointed out that the competition requires higher concentration in every match to be played, he also expressed his team’s ambition to continue its journey up until the final rounds of competitions.
As for Hamdan Al Katebi, who is the captain of Dhaher team, praised the tournament’s higher level of organization and the referee staffs, he also emphasized that the presence of an integrated refereeing staff contributed in fortifying justice inside the pitch, while the competitive atmospheres in the round of 16 reflected the power of the tournament this season, he also wished for the continuity of this tournament on the annual level thanks to its added sports and social value to the City of Al Ain.
