The UAE National Olympic Committee General Secretary Ebrahim Abdul Malek believes the country's best chance of winning a medal at the Beijing Olympics lies with the experienced shooting duo of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Hasher Al Maktoum and Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
"It is difficult to say we are going for gold. Everyone is working hard. But we have a good chance in shooting," Abdul Malek told XPRESS from the team's Beijing training camp.
"Shaikh Ahmad won the gold the last time and he is one of the best in the world. We can also do well in taekwondo with Shaikha Maitha and in show jumping with Shaikha Latifa."
On the prospects of the squad's younger members, Abdul Malek said: "We don't expect them to win medals. We are not putting any pressure on them. They are young athletes and we are preparing them for the next [Olympic] competition."
Malek also gave an update on preparations at the UAE camp. Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum arrived in Beijing yesterday and has settled into her private accommodation just outside the Olympic village, he reported.
The remaining athletes arrived late yesterday along with other delegates and officials.
