Dubai: The UAE meet Pakistan in the opening match of the 9th Rashid International Volleyball Tournament at Al Wasl club Rashid Bin Maktoum indoor sports hall at 7:30 pm today. In another Group A match, India take on France at 9:30 pm.
The tournament's opening ceremony which will be under the patronage of Shaikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum will begin at 6 pm with a heritage folklore show and a film on Dubai's development which began under the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The defending champions Iran who won the eighth edition in August 2004 after beating Egypt 25-23, 25-22, 24-26 and 25-17, will find the going tough this time when they face Solvenia and France in addition to old rivals India and Pakistan.
India, who won the title several times, finished third in the last edition in 2004 after defeating China in the third place play-off.
The UAE take part as usual with two teams: the seniors in Group A and the youth under 20 in Group B.
Abu Bakr Al Jessmy the UAE senior team manager said that they are ready for the tournament and opening match today against Pakistan.
"We respect the Pakistan team, but we will be looking to win the opening match," said Al Jessmy.
The UAE team manager said they are looking forward to build a new team. "We are aiming to form a new team and the Rashid tournament will be a good preparation for the Asian Games in December."
Al Jessmy asked the UAE clubs especially in Dubai to bring their youth players to attend the tournament matches to benefit from watching high quality players from Europe and Asia.
Fixtures
Today at 7:30 pm UAE v Pakistan, 9:30 pm France v India.
Tomorrow at 6 pm Iran v Slovenia, 8 pm UAE youth v Oman.
Friday at 6 pm France v UAE, 8 pm Pakistan v India
July 15 at 6 pm Slovenia v UAE youth, 8 pm Iran v Oman.
July 16 at 6 pm Pakistan v France, 8 pm UAE v India.
July 17 6 pm Oman v Slovenia, 8 pm UAE youth v Iran.
July 18 at 6 pm Semifinals A 1 v B 2, 8 pm B 1 v A 2.
July 19 at 8 pm Final match.