The United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee has dedicated the Rio 2016 bronze medal won by Sergiu Toma in the men’s under 81 kilograms judo competition to the country’s President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ©Getty Images

The United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) has dedicated the Rio 2016 bronze medal won by Sergiu Toma in the men’s under 81 kilograms judo competition to the country’s President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Toma beat Italy’s Matteo Marconcini to claim only the second Olympic medal in the UAE’s history following shooter Ahmed Al Maktoum’s gold in the men’s doubles trap at Athens 2004.

As well as the President, the success was also dedicated to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Toma defeated Germany’s Sven Maresch in the round of 32, before triumphing against home hope Victor Penalber and Japan’s Takanori Nagase, the reigning world champion.

He competed in the bronze medal match having lost narrowly in the semi-finals to Russia’s Khasan Khalmurzaev, who went on to win the gold.

"I’m very proud to represent the UAE and win the medal for them," Toma said.

"I want to thank all the people in the Emirates for helping me with my career.

"I dedicate this to them and to my mentor."

Judoka Sergiu Toma (blue) beat Italy's Matteo Marconcini in the men's under 81kg bronze medal match at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Judoka Sergiu Toma (blue) beat Italy's Matteo Marconcini in the men's under 81kg bronze medal match at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

In January, a budget of AED19.484 million (£4.1 million/$5.3 million/€4.7 million) was approved by the Executive Office of the UAE NOC to prepare for and participate in major events this year.

The budget, billed as "reflecting the continuing support to attain the desired goals and make more achievements at all levels", is focused particularly around Rio 2016. 

Other multi-sport events coming up this year are the Gulf Cooperation Council Games in the UAE from September 15 to 21, and the Asian Beach Games in the Vietnamese city of Nha Trang from September 24 until October 3.