First Emirati Gold Medalist Inspires Audience at Emiratia
Jiu-Jitsu Champion Asma Al Hosani Shares Her Winning Philosophy at Emirati Women’s Day Celebration
Asma Al Hosani, the first Emirati woman to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, captivated the audience at Emiratia, a Gulf News and Being She event celebrating Emirati women’s achievements. Held at Raffles The Palm Dubai on Wednesday, the event highlighted her inspiring journey as a 21-year-old jiu-jitsu athlete.
During a fireside chat, Asma reflected on her journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience. “For every woman, the journey is unique,” she shared. “Self-doubt is natural, but it will never define you. Challenges will only make you stronger. So always push yourself beyond your limit. Sometimes, commitment can be tough, but it is the key to unlocking your true abilities, and every small step will bring you closer to your dream.” This philosophy drove her to win a gold medal in jiu-jitsu at the 2023 Asian Games.
How she became First Emirati Gold Medalist - Her Path to success
Asma Al Hosani’s path to success has been anything but easy. As the first Emirati woman to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, she faced numerous societal challenges and skepticism regarding her choice of sport. “People always question why jiu-jitsu; why do you have to fight in front of men?” she shared. Despite such criticism, Asma remained steadfast in her passion for the sport. Even practical aspects of her training, like traveling abroad for extended periods, raised concerns. Yet, she was determined to overcome these hurdles. “If I want to be a professional athlete, I will have to go through many obstacles. And these obstacles made me more determined to succeed,” she said, reflecting on her journey.
Jiu-jitsu has played a pivotal role in shaping Asma’s strong and determined mindset. It taught her resilience, discipline, and the value of persistence in pursuing her dreams. This transformation in her character did not go unnoticed by her family. Seeing the positive changes in Asma’s personality, her mother became one of her strongest supporters, encouraging her to pursue the sport professionally.
Asma’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and breaking societal norms to achieve greatness, inspiring others to follow their dreams.
The Emiratia event, where Asma Al Hosani shared her inspiring story was supported by a wide array of partners and sponsors, demonstrating a collective commitment to celebrating women’s achievements. Ajman Free Zone took the lead as the Platinum Sponsor, providing key support for the event’s success. Virgio and La Marquise joined as Gold Sponsors, while HSBC played a vital role as the Banking Partner, reinforcing its dedication to empowering women.
Additional support came from Areen East and West and Moser, who collaborated as Support Partners, enhancing the event’s prestige. The luxurious setting of Raffles The Palm served as the Venue Partner, providing an elegant backdrop for this celebration. The Apparel Group added its influence as the Lifestyle Partner, contributing to the event’s style and sophistication.
Gifting Partners Clean Rebel and Lush ensured thoughtful tokens of appreciation for attendees, while Al Haramain brought its signature touch as the Fragrance Partner. To further elevate the event’s ambiance, Arpan adorned the venue with beautiful floral arrangements as the Flower Partner.
The gathering went beyond honoring individual success stories like Asma’s, shining a spotlight on the collaborative efforts of organizations dedicated to empowering women across the UAE. Together, these contributions created a platform for celebrating resilience, achievement, and transformation.
