UAE workers' day out on the cricket pitch

Dubai: This one was a unique outing for the "builders of modern-day UAE" - an indoor cricket tournament involving workers across the country.

As many as 36 teams converged at the InSportz indoor facility at Al Quoz and battled it out through the day to decide on a winner. After a gruelling competition, the Zika Electronics and Prolab teams came out winners in the main and plate tournaments respectively.

"Today is a unique day and we salute these workers who have made this event such a success. The winner was really not the important factor here," commented Shaikh Rais, owner of Abdul Salam Al Ahli and chief guest for the evening.

For the workers, some of whom came all the way from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, this was a unique experience.

"Making the journey itself in the company of my colleagues has been an experience," said M Pandey, who played for the Abu Dhabi Shipping Company team.

Pandey, who has been working with the shipping company for the past seven years, makes it a point to play every evening at their campsite in Mussafah.

"Maybe that is why I prefer the outdoors as it gives me the freedom to play my shots without restraint," smiled the Chennai lad.

Kashif Rashid, 24, who hails from the Punjab region of Pakistan, and who works with the Ghantoot Construction Company, came as a spectator. "I thought this tournament was a novelty and I wanted to see for myself. Believe me, this one day of indoor entertainment has made me forget the six tough days I have had at my job," Rashid stated.

"Maybe if we have more such competitions, we could temporarily forget our hardships," he said

Birthday boy Imran Zia, who turned 30 and helped lead his team Morning Star CC to the plate final, said he hoped to continue with this activity in an attempt to keep fit.

"This is our first time out here and we have proved ourselves," stated Raj Mayers, owner of Zika Electronics the winners of the main competition.

"We are like one family. They are not my workers, they are my friends and if I look after them well we will all prosper," Mayers observed.

"Our aim in organising an event for the labourers was to bring them together in a friendly and sporting atmosphere," said Menino Po, Manager of InSportz, the organisers of the event.