Fatima Rashad

Aden – Participants in the "Darts" championship emphasized the importance of empowering women in sports, considering this game a suitable opportunity for women to assert their presence in the athletic field and enhance their ambition to participate in championships.

 

The Darts Federation (small arrow throwing) was founded in Aden as a promising step toward supporting and developing women’s sports. This was carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has increasingly focused on women's participation in sports. The establishment of the federation responded to the decline in women’s presence in most sports, especially during the war in Yemen, when their opportunities for competition and participation were limited.

The launch of the first championship reflects a strong belief in the importance of empowering women in sports and a desire for Yemen to achieve a distinguished presence in local and international competitions. A group of women participated in this foundational and preparatory stage of the federation, indicating a growing awareness of the importance of women’s role in sports and their efforts to assert themselves in a field historically dominated by men.

 

“We Aspire to Win Championships”

Player Marwa Abdullah spoke about her participation in the Darts Championship, which was promoted through virtual platforms. She applied and was accepted after qualifying rounds among several applicants. She noted that her selection was based on her performance in the qualifiers, stating: “The game relies more on concentration than physical effort.” She expressed hope for greater female participation in the future: “I hope we can have international participants, aspire to win championships both locally and abroad, and receive support for women’s sports as was done in the past.”

Participant Arzaq Bazra’a explained that she joined the Darts Championship out of her passion for the game, as it is one of her favorite hobbies: “The federation’s announcement seeking players was a suitable opportunity for me to participate in the first local championship held in Aden.” She expressed her hope that the game would receive more attention and that players would be able to represent Yemen honorably in international competitions.

One of the spectators who attended the championship said: “When we think of Darts, we remember our childhood when we played it as kids. Now it is held as official championships worldwide, and I am proud of women participating in such events, which usually lack female participation. Seeing the participants fills me with excitement and motivates us to join more championships.”

Journalist Manal Amin stated: “I hope this game continues and spreads among women so that we have players we can be proud of in local and international competitions. Encouraging women to practice sports is important, especially given the disappearance of many female athletes after appearing in some sports. I hope this game maintains its presence, and the players continue to participate, with the ambition to increase their numbers and progress toward professionalism.”

 

Despite the significant decline in Yemeni women athletes, their joining the Darts Federation carries hope and ambition for participating in local and international championships, sustaining the game, and attracting more women to join.