BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Emirati kitesurfer Mohammed Al Mansoori is making waves internationally as he prepares to represent the UAE in the upcoming Kite World Cup in Abu Dhabi, marking a new milestone in a remarkable sporting journey that began after a life-altering injury.
The 45-year-old, who taught himself to kitesurf, began his journey in the sport after recovering from a serious accident that left him in a coma and unable to walk for years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Al Mansoori was once a football player.
“I always loved sports, especially ones that are risky,” Al Mansoori told Aletihad.
“The accident left me in a coma, and I could not walk for years afterwards. But after several surgeries, I could walk again.”.
Al Mansoori discovered the sport by chance during a visit to the beach, and he was immediately drawn to the bold manoeuvres performed by local kitesurfers.
“I enjoyed watching them, and I decided that I wanted to try it. That is when I started to watch YouTube videos of kitesurfers and I asked other surfers for help too, and with time, I managed to learn,” he explained.
Self-taught and driven by determination, he entered his first kitesurfing competition in 2014 and immediately secured first place. He has since gone on to win numerous local championships, including the Qatar Open Kiteboarding Championship in 2015 and 2016.
Now preparing to compete against some of the world’s top kitesurfers at the upcoming Kite World Cup, to be held on Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, Al Mansoori expressed his excitement for the event.
“It is no surprise that the UAE has become a leading destination for hosting global competitions. As a coastal country, our beaches are perfect for all kinds of marine sports, from sailing to many others. The weather conditions are ideal,” he explained.
Al Mansoori believes that everyone should experience the thrill of kitesurfing at least once in their life.
“The sport is for everyone, any age, whatever fitness level. It is different from all the sports I have tried. It is thrilling and adventurous at the same time. It just gives you an indescribable feeling.”
