Golden opportunity

The Fina World Junior Swimming Championships opens today and is a chance to focus on the sporting achievements of young people

The UAE has become increasingly prominent on the world sporting map in recent years. From the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to major tennis, rugby, football and golf events, the nation attracts the cream of the world's sportsmen and women.

The latest high-profile event, the Fina World Junior Swimming Championships, opens in Dubai today, giving spectators the chance to see some of the stars of tomorrow - and today.

The swimmers who shine at this biennial event will be strong contenders for medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, one competitor, 15-year-old Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte, already has a gold medal from the 100-metre breaststroke at last year's London Olympics.

The swimming strongholds of Australia, the United States, China and Russia will be among the 93 nations represented at the championships, but local eyes will be on the 11 Emirati competitors, including 17-year-old national 200-metre backstroke champion Yaqoub Yousuf Al Sa'adi.

These championships will attract global media attention and have trickle down effects for the local economy. Most of all, they will focus attention on young people's achievements and the UAE's support for emerging talent.