Serbian ‘Nemec’ wins title of Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament

Second edition of the tournament marks conclusion of an unforgettable “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars”

Serbian Josef Nemec clinched the title of the second edition of the Sharjah International Footgolf Championship” with an impressive 15 strokes under par.

The thrilling competition unfolded yesterday (Saturday), marking the conclusion of the “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars,” which was held since Wednesday under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.

The iconic Sharjah’s Week of the Stars was organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) with the participation of 200 players from, including 23 international football legends.

In its four categories, the second edition of the Sharjah International Footgolf Championship witnessed the participation of 130 players, all competing in a spirited challenge at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, vying for a combined prize purse of $30,000.

Across the two intense rounds of competition, Nemec exhibited exceptional skill, securing the top spot in the overall standings with an impressive 15 strokes under par. Following closely were Spanish Carlos Calvo in second place, and Serbian Matej Svitek who claimed the third spot with an impressive 11 strokes under par.

Serbian players continued their impressive performance in the second edition, with Lucia Cermakova securing the top spot in the women’s category, finishing two strokes above par.

Cermakova outshone her closest competitor, Japanese Eri Yamashita, who claimed the second position with a score of nine strokes above par, while England’s Sarah White secured the third spot with a total of 12 strokes above par.

In the men’s competition, Italian Alberto Alvaro emerged victorious with a total of two strokes above par. Meanwhile, in the Masters category for participants over 55, Denmark’s Stein Tengs Amestad claimed the title with an outstanding score of eight strokes under par.

Following the thrilling competitions, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, accompanied by Sheikh Salem Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, HE Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, and Ziyad Al Sharabi, General Manager of the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, crowned the champions of the tournament’s second edition.

Footgolf, a sport that ingeniously blends the world’s two most popular games, involves players skilfully using their feet to shoot the ball towards holes, akin to the traditional sport of golf. In this unique fusion, victory is determined by calculating the number of strokes a player requires to successfully navigate the ball into the designated holes.

Khalid Al Midfa expressed his delight over the overwhelming participation of players in the second edition of the Sharjah International Footgolf Championship. “The bustling week of events saw the enthusiastic involvement of international football legends from around the globe, garnering significant engagement and support from the public.”

“The Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament served as the grand finale to the “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars,” attracting 200 participants in its diverse activities, including 23 international football legends hailing from various corners of the world, who captivated audiences since last Wednesday. From the riveting “Legends Padel Tour” to the spectacular “Night of the Stars” held at the Sharjah Sports Club Stadium, these thrilling events provided an exhilarating showcase of competition for the public. Fans had the opportunity to see their favourite stars, who have left an indelible mark on the green rectangle and international football arenas, achieving remarkable milestones with both their clubs and national teams, “ Al Midfa said in a statement.

The primary goal of the Sharjah’s Week of the Stars is to elevate the role of sports as a dynamic element in the emirate’s tourism appeal, underscoring the significance of sports events among fans globally and the widespread popularity enjoyed by celebrities across various sporting disciplines. This strategic approach aligns with the priorities emphasized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in investing in the tourism sector. Such initiatives aim to bolster Sharjah’s standing and contribute to the ongoing journey of comprehensive development under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Midfa emphasised.

He expressed satisfaction with the successes attained during the Sharjah Football Stars Week, emphasizing the positive image that emerged as a result. “This image signifies the strong communication and constructive collaboration evident across the emirate’s various entities. Such unity is integral to sustaining the development process within Sharjah, aligning with broader plans aimed at reinforcing the emirate’s position as a comprehensive tourist destination. Sharjah offers a diverse array of destinations catering to various interests and age groups, enriching the overall tourism experience,” Al Midfa concluded.

Football icons captivating audience throughout “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars”
During the groundbreaking events, football icons made a triumphant return to the green field, bringing joy to sports enthusiasts across various events throughout the week. The spotlight once again shone on former Italian football stars Luigi Di Biagio and Christian Panucci, who secured the title of the “Legends Padel Tour” after a triumph with a scoreline of two sets to one set in a thrilling match held on Wednesday.

The event did not only showcase their enduring skills but also provided entertainment for the spectators, marking another memorable chapter in the legacy of these football legends.

An elite group of 23 football legends, showcasing their prowess in the round witch, treated fans to a memorable display during the “Night of the Stars.”

In this thrilling event, former Ukranian football legend Andriy Shevchenko led his team, the “Kalba Leopards,” to lift the trophy after a remarkable victory over the “Mleiha Falcons,” captained by Roma and Italian legend Francesco Totti. Shevchenko’s extraordinary performance, contributing 13 goals, sealed the triumph with a final score of 8-5 in favor of the “Kalba Leopards”.