Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: Meet Couple Who 'Never Wins' But Travels World For Sport

2026-02-07 04:17:52

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) For Manfred and Maria Wirsing, the Open Masters Games have long been about friendship rather than podiums. Since first competing at the Masters Games in Auckland in 2017, the German couple have travelled the world chasing sport, community and connection. This week in Abu Dhabi, however, they found themselves experiencing something entirely new.

For the first time in nearly a decade of Masters participation, the pair were selected to take part in the opening ceremony - walking behind the archery flag at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026.

Recommended For You Gold prices swing sharply: What UAE investors should know amid regional tensions

“This is the first time,” said Manfred Wirsing, 70, who lives in Switzerland but competes internationally.“We usually just compete. Today, we are waiting to see what is coming. I think it will be very special.”

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

The couple, who both compete in archery, said winning has never been the goal.“We never win,” Manfred said with a smile.“We try. We want to meet friends. We met friends in Taipei as well. Meeting people is what matters.”

Maria Wirsing, 62, who has competed alongside her husband since 2017, shares his philosophy. Archery, Manfred explained, has been part of her life for 25 years.“It's a hobby. If you win, that's good - but it's not necessary.”

Their story reflects the broader spirit of the Open Masters Games, which officially opened in Abu Dhabi on Friday night with a ceremony that blended live performance, visual effects, and cultural storytelling. The event marks the first time the Open Masters Games have been staged in the Middle East, bringing together tens of thousands of amateur athletes from across the globe.

Local athletes step into the spotlight

Among those taking centre stage during the ceremony was Azza Al Ghunaimi, a 49-year-old Abu Dhabi runner who was selected to carry the International Masters Games flag.

“One day, someone called me and told me I was nominated,” she said.“At first, I didn't feel anything. But when I came for rehearsals and went on stage and they called my name, I felt that all these years of hard work and effort meant something. I won't give up.”

Al Ghunaimi, who began her sports journey six years ago through CrossFit before switching to running, described the responsibility of carrying the flag as something she only fully understood once rehearsals began.

“In the beginning I didn't know the importance of it,” she said.“But now I do."

She is also set to compete during the Games, with plans to take part in the half marathon later this week.

Nearby, Racha Kabbara, 55, was preparing to walk behind the swimming flag ahead of her open water swimming races.

“I received an email asking if I would like to participate,” she said.“Of course I said yes. It's an international event.”

Kabbara said participants trained for two days to prepare for the ceremony.“They trained us how to walk, how to hold the flag, who we follow. It's not hard - but there is fear. Fear of being in front of all these people.”

A global event with a human core

During the ceremony, organisers highlighted the idea of the“original athlete” - not defined by medals, but by movement, resilience and shared human effort. The narrative drew on images of running across sand, enduring heat, travelling together and relying on community - framing sport as something rooted in daily life rather than elite performance.

That message resonated with athletes like Kabbara, who has set herself long-term goals well beyond this week's competition.“At 50, I did a full marathon,” she said.“Now at 55, I will do open water swimming. And at 60, God willing, the Ironman.”

On stage, senior officials and international sporting leaders underlined the scale of the Games, which feature more than 21,000 athletes competing across over 30 sports , with participants ranging in age from their 30s to over 90 years old.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, described the event as part of a broader vision that positions sport as a way of life and a unifying force.

Meanwhile, Sergii Bubka, President of the International Masters Games Association, told the audience that the oldest competitor at this year's Games is 91, calling it“a message to the world that the desire to move has no limits”.

More than medals

For the Wirsings, who are already planning trips to the Kansai Masters Games next year and a return to New Zealand, the ceremony was a moment to pause and take in how far the Masters movement has travelled.

“Abu Dhabi is new for us,” Manfred said.“But this community - it's always the same spirit.”

As athletes from more than 100 nationalities walked into the arena under shifting lights and music, that spirit - of movement, connection and shared determination - was unmistakable.

For some, this week is about competition. For others - like the Wirsings, Al Ghunaimi and Kabbara - it is about something more lasting: proof that sport does not end with age, and that sometimes, simply being part of the moment is the real victory.

Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is reportedly welcoming more than 25,000 athletes from around the world across 38 sports over the 10-day event from 6–15 February 2026.