Aya Al Sujwani, a player on the UAE national ice hockey team, confirmed that ice hockey is a unique sport characterized by very high speeds, earning it the title of the fastest game on earth. Despite practicing several sports, ice hockey captured her heart among five sports, and she spends many hours daily in below-zero temperatures.

She told Emarat Al Youm that she has been playing ice hockey for nine years, explaining: “I played many sports including gymnastics, ballet, fencing, football, and athletics, but ice hockey stole my heart and became my favorite sport. I currently play for the Storms Abu Dhabi women’s ice hockey team at the Abu Dhabi Ice Sports Club, and also for the national ice hockey team.”

She added: “I recently graduated from Zayed University with a degree in Multimedia Design Sciences. Although I aim to work in my field, I also want to continue playing ice hockey.”

She continued: “I now work as a referee alongside being a player. Due to injury, I was asked to assist the coach, a role I also love and aspire to become a coach in the future.” She noted that refereeing helped her improve significantly during matches by avoiding mistakes, especially penalty shots.

Aya spoke about the main features of ice hockey, saying: “It is characterized by fast passing, stick control, and technical planning skills. Although this sport is unusual for our desert country, we have managed to excel and professionalize it.”

Regarding challenges she faced, she said: “Every athlete faces several challenges, but the biggest for me was the tension and psychological pressure before international championships due to my strong desire to raise my country’s flag and honor its name. Together with the players and technical and administrative staff, we turn this pressure into energy for achievement and giving.”

On whether ice hockey suits girls, she said: “Of course, this sport suits everyone, and I am living proof that it is suitable for any girl. At the beginning, I did not have a strong physique, but with determination and persistence, I became very physically fit.” She added: “Strategic planning and mental presence are very important elements for players’ success.”

She highlighted what she learned from the game: “I learned team spirit, respect for the opponent, accepting victory and defeat with sportsmanship, increased self-confidence, and acquired skills in concentration, balance, patience, responsibility, and time management. I started at a young age and managed to prioritize and balance studies, sports, and family life.”

Regarding funny moments, she said: “In one match, I was playing with great enthusiasm, and during play, my speed increased while I wanted to pass the puck forcefully, and suddenly I found myself flying on the ice.”

About her future dreams, she said: “I dream of participating with the national team in the World Cup, raising the UAE flag internationally, and being among Emirati women who achieve great accomplishments in difficult and precise fields. This is my biggest dream, which I strive to achieve through continuous physical, psychological, and strategic development.”

She concluded her statements talking about the success of Emirati women, saying: “I look at the success of Emirati women with pride and confidence that women in our society, supported unlimitedly by our wise leadership, will always be role models for generations and pioneers in creating horizons of progress and prosperity.”

Aya Al Sujwani:

    • Ice hockey is characterized by fast passing, stick control, and technical planning skills.
    • She learned from the game to have team spirit, respect opponents, take responsibility, and manage time effectively.