Dubai: Badminton as a sport is yet to have a governing body but the number of participants in the India Club Western Union UAE Open Badminton tournament will break all records for the largest number of participants.
The tournament, the oldest in the UAE, will begin on May 24 and include more than 500 players.
Last year it broke its record with 501 entries and 460 matches played in various categories "This year we will break that record too and we will stage 15 matches every day and over 50 matches on Fridays," said Sunil Sawlani, vice chairman, India Club.
The final will be held on June 17.
The tournament, which started in the early 1980s, has been staged every year except in 1997 and 1999.
"We have opened the doors of our tournament to players from outside UAE irrespective of the visa status hence players from Qatar, Bahrain, India, Pak-istan, Philippines, Oman, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Denmark and the UK are expected to take part," said Sunil Singh the ex-officio of the India Club.
Top ranked player
The last date for receiving entries is May 18.
"We will be flying in four top ranked players out of the ten top ranked players in India to lift the standard of competition," added Singh.
Cash prizes and trophies amounting to over Dh50,000 will be distributed among the winners. The various categories include girls and boys singles starting from the age of 10 to 18, men's and women's singles and doubles, veterans categories for over the age of 40 to 55 in 24 different categories will be staged.
Winners of men women and boys and girls singles (under 18) can also take away Jet Airways return air tickets from Dubai to any destination in India. Entry forms are available at www.indiaclubdubai.com.
