UAE’s oldest badminton tournament under way

Dubai: The UAE’s oldest badminton tournament took off at the India Club with a colourful opening ceremony.

The 36th edition of the India Bulls India Club UAE Open will be contested by a record 563 men, women, boys, girls and veterans. Last year 481 entries were received in only 14 categories, while this year there will be 26.

M.K. Lokesh, the Indian Ambassador to UAE; Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the Community Development Authority; Dr. Omar Muthanna, CEO of the Community Development Authority; and Dr. Ram Buxani, Chairman of the India Club, attended the inauguration.

Buxani said: “We are happy that India Club has played a pivotal role in promoting various sports in the country and the fact that we are gathered to launch the 36th UAE Open badminton tournament is testimony to our dedication.”

The tournament, which was first held in 1978, will include matches for the special needs students of SNF Development Center and Dubai Autism Center. There will also be a separate pool for the Labourers (Men Singles Category) and matches will be played daily from 10am.

Cash Prizes, trophies and gift hampers amounting to more than Dh50,000 will be presented to the winners. The finals of the tournament are scheduled for June 14.

All the matches will be played in the 21-point format in line with the rules and regulations of the World Badminton Confederation.