Golden Man – Udai Maharmeh 

Becoming a world champion takes a lot of dedication, skill and painstaking effort and while Udai Maharmeh combined the three on his way to the top, he did it all his own unique way!

Name :	Udai Ali Abdulraheem Al Maharmeh
Age :	21
Sport :	Kickboxing
Career :	---
Place of Residence:	Amman / Sahab

1. How did you get into your sport?

I started with taekwondo but in 1998 my father encouraged me to start kickboxing and trained me at Jordan’s Tigers club. In 2000, I won the national championship which qualified me for the national team. From there I went on to win some big championships and I am very proud of myself.

2. What have been your main achievements?

Undoubtedly it was the gold in the world championships in Ireland this year (2011). I cannot describe my feeling when I achieved this very tough title. I’m really proud of it.

3. How do you think your sport can be improved?

Kickboxing has enjoyed a flourishing time and there is a great awareness in Jordan about this sport now but we still need more financial support for more overseas camps and to bring in new equipment.

4. How do you see the future in your sport?

I am just focused on kickboxing and in future I will take over my Father’s club and train young people.

5. How do you spend your time away from sport?

I spent most of my time in the club helping my father and doing my own training, although I sometimes hang out with my friends too.

6. What are your main hobbies / interests?

I’m fan with Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books.

7. What ‘saying’ do you believe in...

“Actions Speaks Louder Than Words “

8. Who do you consider as your idol?

My father who stands behind every single achievement I have made.

9. Who are your local and international athletes?

Locally, Jordan Coach Murad Al Shloul who has played a very significant role in my career. On the international level, I respect the Morocco Champion Bader Hari because I love the way he fights and defends.

10. Which player would you like to compete with?

It would be a dream to play against Bader Hari. He is a world champion and I would like to prove to the whole world that I’m the true world champion.

11. If you could roll back time, would you choose kickboxing or another sport?

I used to be a taekwondo player, but my life is now with kickboxing and I have no regrets.

12. What kind of Music do you like and what is your favourite film?

I like traditional Arabic songs because it is our heritage and we have to keep remembering it. I like Martial Arts Movies like “Mortal Combat“ and films that show the battle between Evil and Good using martial arts.

13. What message or advice would you like to give youngsters coming into sport?

Train well, keep your mind fresh, look forward and fight to accomplish your dream. And don’t forget that the coach is your way to the top, so follow him.

14. If you had one wish what would it be?

Well, I achieved a world championship, but I wish to enter the world of professional competition and the world's giants

15. What is your Favorite food?

Mansaf.

16. If you had five flowers, who would you give them to?

The first is for HM King Abdullah who stands behind each athlete and the second is for HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein for all of his support. The Third one is for my father and fourth for my mother. The fifth is to all Jordanian people especially from Sahab!

 

 

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