The International Canoeing Federation (ICF) has proposed to host the Asian Canoeing Championship in Dubai in 2007. This was disclosed by ICF vice-president Ali Ghalamsih during his visit to the UAE earlier this week.

Ghalamsih was accompanied by Csaba Szanto, the Technical Director and Coordinator of ICF.
The ICF officials met up with Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) managing director Saeed Hareb.

After their discussions, the ICF officials stated that the competition will be held in Dubai in 2007 after due approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Next year's Championship will be held in Kuala Lumpur and the Dubai competition will be followed by the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

The ICF delegation was in the UAE to discuss setting up of a Canoeing Centre to train enthusiasts.

Ghalamsih and Szanto visited several possible areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where canoeing could be held. One place which caught their attention as a possible venue is the Mamzar lagoon.

A year back the delegation began visiting and inviting countries that are not members of the ICF to encourage them to start canoeing in their respective countries and sign up as members with the ICF. They found the facilities and infrastructure in the UAE conducive for canoeing.

Saeed Hareb encouraged the delegation in their endeavour and offered full support to the project.

The delegation stressed the need for more enthusiasts to encourage the sport in the UAE as the waters are perfect for the sport. Canoeing has different disciplines, two of which are widely used and perfect for the UAE: flat water and the Slalom Kayaking normally held on an artificial course.

The team also met with members of the UAE National Olympic Committee to discuss a venue for the Canoeing Centre and training of enthusiasts.

When asked why Dubai in particular, Ghalamsihsaid: "Dubai is the centre of the world and 90 per cent of Dubai is surrounded by water. Moreover, the weather conditions are perfect for Europeans. It is easier for them to come to Dubai than go as far as Malaysia".