New UAE tournament aims to unite badminton

Dubai: Local badminton event organiser Frank Jasperneite is hoping to unite the sport and prompt the creation of a national federation with the arrival of a new tournament here next month.

The inaugural Dh11,300, seven-category, three-round ‘One Badminton’ tournament, involving 650 players, will take place on October 18, 25 and November 1 at Salahuddin Sports Hall in Al Mamza.

Jasperneite said: “So far in the UAE there are separate and existing tournaments where everyone plays the same players, but what we are trying to do is create a bigger event that encompasses everybody.

“It’s not all about winning but challenging yourself, therefore we want players to push themselves to play in higher categories.”

Categories from elite and group A men’s singles trickle down to elite men’s and mixed doubles into categories A to D of mixed, men’s and women’s doubles. Ages of registered participants range from 10 to 50 years old.

“Existing badminton clubs haven’t merged for tournaments because of differences, but we are non-aligned so hopefully we can convince everybody to take part,” Jasperneite said. “We also want to promote the sport to new levels to prompt the creation of a national association. There’s no reason why the UAE can’t hold national tournaments here like tennis has with the ATP tour coming to Dubai. That’s our aim.”

For registration visit www.onebadminton.at.tt