Viktor Axelsen Wins Global Athlete Award at Dubai World Sports Summit
DUBAI, UAE – Danish badminton superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen has been named the winner of the prestigious Global Athlete Award at the 13th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Sports Award.
The announcement was made on Monday during the World Sports Summit in Dubai, an event organized by the Dubai Sports Council under the theme ‘Uniting the World Through Sport.’
Axelsen’s recognition comes on the heels of a historic season, solidified by his defense of the Olympic men’s singles title at the Paris 2024 Games. By securing the Global Athlete Award, Axelsen joins an elite roster of international sports icons honored at what is widely considered the largest award of its kind in terms of prize value and category diversity.
A Summit of Global Sports Leaders
The awards ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The event brought together more than 1,500 sports leaders, decision-makers, and athletes from across the globe to discuss the future of the industry.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s role as a nexus for sporting excellence during the event.
“Today, we are delighted to honour a new group of distinguished sports figures, leaders, decision-makers and champions from the UAE, the Arab world, and beyond who have achieved remarkable feats globally and etched their names in sporting history,” Sheikh Hamdan stated. “Dubai reaffirms its position as a global hub and a key contributor to shaping the future. Sports hold a prominent place at the forefront of government priorities.”
Axelsen Joins a Star-Studded List of Winners
Viktor Axelsen was not the only high-profile figure celebrated at the summit. The 13th edition of the awards, which was recently rebranded from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award to the Global Sports Award, recognized excellence across various sectors of the sports world.
Other prominent winners included:
- Novak Djokovic (Serbia): Global Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Nasser Al Khelaifi (PSG President): Global Sports Leadership Award.
- FIFA: Global Sports Organisation Award.
- Paris Saint-Germain: Global Sports Team Award.
- Ibtihaj Muhammad (USA): Global Inspirational Athlete Award.
- Arshad Nadeem (Pakistan): Exceptional Sports Achievement Award (Olympic Javelin Champion).
The Global Sports Career Award recognized a host of football legends, including Brazilian icon Ronaldo, Italy’s Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini, and Spain’s Andrés Iniesta, alongside basketball star Tony Parker and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
Arab and Emirati Excellence
The ceremony also shone a spotlight on regional achievements. His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain received the Arab Sports Personality Award, while Egyptian Olympic champion Ahmed El Gendy took home the Arab Athlete Award.
On the local front, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, was honoured with the Emirati Sports Personality Award. MMA star Khamzat Chimaev was named the Emirati Athlete Award winner, recognizing his rising dominance in combat sports.
A Vision for the Future
Launched in 2008, the award has evolved significantly over the last decade. The shift to a “Global” format in this 13th edition reflects Dubai’s expanding vision to honor not just individual creativity, but influential institutions and initiatives that promote human wellbeing.
As the summit concluded, Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the UAE’s commitment to the sector: “We will continue our active and positive contribution to building a better future, solidifying the approach of excellence in work and achievement.”
