Competing among eleven Asian nations in Zhoushan, China, the athletes of Sharjah Women’s Sports Club delivered a distinguished performance, capturing the silver medal at the Asian Coastal Rowing Championship held from September 11 to 14, 2025.

The silver medal was secured by the duo of Shamsa Al Sharyani and Fatima Khalaf, who claimed second place in the under-19 doubles category while representing the UAE national team. Their result underscored not only their technical ability but also the Club’s role in elevating Emirati women’s presence on the continental stage.

Athlete Reactions

Reflecting on the achievement, Shamsa Al Sharyani said:“Winning a continental medal is the result of months of hard work and dedication. Wearing the national jersey made the responsibility even greater, and the moment we raised the UAE flag on the podium is one I will never forget.”

Her teammate, Fatima Khalaf, added:“This medal is the result of intense training and the camps provided by our Club. It proves we are on the right path. For us, this is just the beginning—we aim for gold in the future and to keep raising the UAE flag high on the international stage.”

Beyond the Medal

Commenting on the achievement, Balqees Al Shehi, Head of Individual Sports at Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, said: "This continental success reflects a clear vision we are pursuing at Sharjah Women’s Sports Club—an investment in Olympic sports driven by the conviction that our ultimate ambition is to shine on the Olympic stage and deliver results of true international impact. The silver medal at the Asian Coastal Rowing Championship is only the first step on a longer journey.

For us, supplying athletes to the national teams is not a short-term objective but a sustainable project that reinforces the presence of Emirati women across continental and global arenas. This championship provided a valuable opportunity to compete alongside the best athletes in Asia, to measure ourselves against new challenges, and to prepare with greater focus for the stages ahead.

We are working through a carefully designed plan to ensure that Sharjah remains a strong contender and a name that resonates on the shores of Asia and beyond.

At the same time, this achievement carries a message of gratitude to parents—the first and most important supporters of our athletes. Their constant encouragement is what allows young women to dream higher and pursue excellence. This silver medal is not the end of the road; it is a new responsibility that inspires us to push harder, until we see the UAE flag raised proudly on the world’s most prestigious podiums."

The Club’s Vision

This achievement reflects one of Sharjah Women’s Sports Club’s core goals: to contribute talent to the national teams and prepare a new generation of female athletes capable of competing at the highest continental and global levels. The silver medal not only highlights the Club’s investment in its rowers but also signals a promising future for women’s rowing in the UAE.