India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament, UAE’s oldest badminton event, expands

Dubai: The UAE’s oldest badminton tournament, hosted by India Club, will stage its 36th edition with even more categories from May 20.

Sunil Singh, sports convenor of India Club, announced the details of the India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament along with Sunil Sawlani, Vice Chairman of the India Club; Santosh Tandel, Regional Head, Middle East & North Africa Region of India Bulls; and Bharat Chachara, General Manager of the India Club, on Wednesday.

“We have added more categories at the junior level to attract more youngsters into this game. Last year we had a record 481 entries, with 485 matches being played in various categories. This year we may cross the 500 entry mark,” Singh said.

This year’s tournament comprises 26 categories compared to 14 last year. The categories added are from age groups eight to 18. Masters and Super Veterans categories for over-45s have also been re-introduced.

“The tournament is also open to players outside the UAE and, to attract as many participants as possible, we have not increased the entry fee for the last six years,” Sawlani added.

Cash prizes and gift hampers worth more than Dh50,000 will be given away on the final, scheduled for June 14.

“On weekdays the matches will commence from 7pm and Friday from 10am onwards. The last day for entry is May 13 and players can register at www.indiaclubdubai.com,” Chachara said.

The tournament is supported by 106.2 Hum FM, Consolidated Shipping Group, Carrera Sunglasses, Apeejay Stya University and Unifruti.

As part of India Club’s corporate social responsibility drive, exhibition matches will be conducted for special needs children and adults. Invitations will also be extended to residents of labour accommodation facilities.