38th World Congress of Sports Medicine Opens in Dubai, Focusing on Athlete Health and Wellness

Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, inaugurated the 38th edition of the International Federation of Sports Medicine World Congress of Sports Medicine at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will run until October 27, attracting leading figures in sports medicine from around the globe. According to Emirates News Agency, the Congress is organized by the UAE National Olympic Committee's Sports Medicine Committee, with support from co-hosts including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Emirates Physiotherapy Society, and the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. The four-day event is one of the most significant in the field, focusing on athlete health, safety, and overall well-being, with participation from specialists in various domains such as orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapy, and biomechanics. Sheikh Mansoor expressed his appre ciation to the Scientific Committee of the Congress for highlighting critical topics that benefit the athlete community. He emphasized the UAE's capability to host major sports science events, which demonstrates global trust in the country's standards of professionalism and excellence. He noted the exceptional level of participation, building on the legacy of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, established during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Dr. Hashel Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee at the UAE NOC, spoke about the UAE's commitment to advancing sports medicine and sciences as part of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He highlighted the Congress's significance as it hosts the Global Alliance Day for the Promotion of Physical Activity, underscoring the NOC's focus on community health and physical activity. Dr. Fabio Pigozzi, President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, addressed the attendees, discussing the expanding role of sports medicine. The Congress b rings together delegations from 118 national associations, sports medicine specialists, students, and speakers to share recent developments and engage in scientific and technical discussions. Sheikh Mansoor toured the exhibition alongside the Congress, learning about innovative approaches in sports medicine aimed at enhancing athlete recovery and performance. The exhibition showcased advanced devices and equipment crucial for injury management, providing data on athlete performance and health risks. The opening day featured a panel discussion on the future of sports medicine and sciences in the GCC, moderated by Dr. Abdulla Al Rahoomi and Dr. Murat Dalkilinc, with panellists from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Lectures included topics such as the impact of physical inactivity, sports injury rehabilitation, and care for athletes with special needs. The Congress will continue with a variety of sessions, workshops, and lectures, addressing training loads, recovery techniques, technology in sp orts, and the role of physical activity in reducing chronic disease risks. The event features 16 sessions, 130 speakers, six workshops, and 304 research papers, with participation from over 70 countries.