Badminton tournament to run for third decade

Dubai: The India Club-Western Union UAE Open Badminton tournament has been held regularly since the early eighties - except in 1997 and 1999. This year's edition will be held from May 25 at the India Club badminton courts with finals scheduled for June 19.

"We are delighted to have staged this tournament for three decades. The popularity of the tournament has increased so much that we are expecting record participation this year." Sunil Singh, chairman of the India Club, told Gulf News.

"This tournament began with only 30 participants and in the last edition we had 300 entries. This year we are expecting to break that record too," added Singh

Encouraged by the huge response for the tournament, Bharat Chachara, the general manager of the India Club said: "This year we are also increasing the number of categories from 18 to 22. We are expecting participants from different countries."

The organisers have also decided to print out entry forms in different languages. "Last year we had many Filipinos and players from many Gulf countries taking part. So the entry forms in different languages will be available in all Western Union outlets in different parts of the world," he said.

"We are hoping to nurture young talent at the grass-root level through this tournament. This year we will also stage an exhibition match for special needs children involving Emirates English Speaking School and SNF School. All participants will be given special prizes," Chachara said.

This Dh50,000-prize-money tournament will be held from 7 pm every day. "We will stage 15 matches every day and over 30 matches on Thursdays and Fridays," he said.

The last date for receiving entries is May 20. Entry forms can also be downloaded from India Club website.