I have begun my time working with the sports department, and I have to say it is challenging and different in terms of being more courageous and to be more “out there”.
I am channelling myself to be more alert on sports news. I am very passionate about sports, specifically football.
In order to get more accurate information on sport events, sports journalists have to be present at an event in order to get the right information.
I am very nervous yet excited about this opportunity to shine. As much as I can, I do all my homework before attending an event.
One of the events was the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, last week. I was a newcomer in this sport.
I have a general idea about jiu-jitsu, but I was keen to know more. It might not be inside comfort zone, but it is definitely an opportunity to get started in sports journalism.
I have learned in the span of a week how to approach athletes. Journalists have to be determined and tough when asking athletes and coaches for interviews.
An advantage I have is that I can speak Arabic; being bilingual is my biggest advantage at the moment.
For example, I had to approach Ismail Matar, an Al Wahda and UAE international football player. It seems like he can speak English, but he is much more comfortable speaking Arabic.
Perhaps my toughest challenge is translating it to English, as Arabic expressions cannot be translated at times.
Another challenge I know I will be facing is my biased opinion, I try as much as possible to be neutral despite who I support. I have been blogging about football for almost a year, before coming to The National.
What I love about blogging is the comments I get. Also, to read the passionate fans arguing and spouting at one another with opinions. Others are more fruitful and unbiased with their comments.
We can find all kinds of people in sport blogs, and some arguments are so heated it is like a bloodbath. That makes me giggle, but I used to be one of them, so nothing wrong with that.
I also follow sports journalists on social media, to get better insight about their job. I know it differs from country to country, but in the end we have similar basics.
One of those I follow is Henry Winter of the Daily Telegraph, who is considered one of the best in the industry.
Nicholas Rigg is also worth mentioning; he is a Real Madrid correspondent for ESPN FC.
My aim is to better myself and never be stopped by anything that might get in my way.
All it takes is guts and determination to pursue sports journalism. I have to be thankful for the wonderful staff in the sports section; giving me the push is what I always needed.
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