UAE | Leisure
UAE workers' day out on the cricket pitch
This one was a unique outing for the "builders of modern-day UAE" - an indoor cricket tournament involving workers across the country.
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:04 August 2, 2008
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
- The teams battle it out at the indoor stadium in Al Quoz.
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.
Latest news
- Students attend traffic court hearings
- New road widens Jumeirah Lakes Towers access
- Filipino students, groups attend cultural meet
- For this maestro, it's all about the sound
- Experts can't tell old instruments from new
- Sound of violins
- Facilitators: Helping others find joy
- Volunteers remove garbage from Mamzar beach
- Clean-up campaign set to raise awareness
- Sharjah landmarks bathed in light
- Shaikh Mohammad meets South Korea leader
- Get friends on board, zip away with Salik bonus
- Top Arab advocacy group in dire need of aid
- New rules for Abu Dhabi buildings
- In the pursuit of happiness
Community Reports
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
-
Safety regulations flouted at Dubai work place
In Al Nahda 2, two workers were seen working on the crane boom at a height of 20m without a full body harness or safety net in violation of rules
