More tourneys can provide better exposure

ABU DHABI While there are many leagues that keep the netball enthusiasts engaged throughout the year in the UAE, the Inter-Gulf Netball Championships is one occasion which provides them an opportunity to showcase their skills against different teams from other Emirates as well as other Gulf countries.

The 2013 Inter-Gulf Netball Championship which was held recently at the Zayed Sports City again showed some quality matches being played which was won by the Abu Dhabi A team in a thrilling final against the Dubai A team which went into the extra time. Abu Dhabi were also the winners in the previous edition.

“It’s really important to have that kind of exposure,” says Susanne Skelding, co-ordinator of the Dubai teams.

“The girls get to play the same teams over and over again in the local leagues. So it’s really good to have such tournament because there are such high quality players all around the Gulf and it’s the only opportunity that the girls get to play such high quality netball once every year,” she added.

This is the 27th edition of the tournament, which made its beginning way back in 1986 and has teams from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia participating in the tournament.

Susanne felt an increase in the frequency of these top teams meeting should be increased as a run up to the inter-gulf tournament that can further generate more interest.

“We want to be able to put together a premier league which will incorporate regular matches against teams from all the Gulf countries. This should be more like a lead up to the inter-Gulf championship which will increase the quality and provide the girls with more opportunities,” she said.

“There is a huge interest and lot of girls are taking up this sport each year. So such initiatives will provide them excellent opportunities to prepare for bigger tournaments,” she added.

She also stressed on the need to look at a larger picture and invite teams coming under the Asian Netball Federation which will provide greater exposure to the UAE teams.

“We can invite other countries under the Asian Netball Federation to come along and that would include countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka which is quite a developed country and India who are already an accomplished team, This will be a high quality team and inviting teams like that to play against the best teams and we have girls who have played earlier in their respective countries and get to play high quality matches,” she said.

The tournament also keeps alive the social side with lot of activities happening on the sidelines of the tournament.

“Its all about social outing not just about winning. Possible to play netball at all levels and social league is important to make sure they also have exposure. Social aspect in touranments is imprortant,” she said.

With Dubai losing out to Abu Dhabi in a very close tie, Susanne said Dubai have invited their rivals from the Capital for a friendly re-match which will be played in Dubai later this month.