Smash hit: Emiratis embrace badminton in growing numbers

Dubai: A community celebration. A countdown to a major tournament. And a growing Emirati presence in one of the world’s fastest racquet sports.

Badminton is quickly finding a home in the UAE, and nowhere was that more evident than in Al Ain on Sunday as the Al Ain Masters Community Tour 2025 got underway — timed to coincide with World Badminton Day celebrations across the country.

The event, titled the Al Ain Masters World Badminton Day Championship, brought together nearly 400 participants from all walks of life — professionals, amateurs, Special Olympics athletes and, significantly, 50 Emirati players competing across six events.

This marked the fourth edition of UAE’s World Badminton Day celebrations, previously held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. But for Al Ain — often described as the oasis city — this was a first. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the initiative was part of a broader effort to bring international-standard sporting experiences to every corner of the Emirate.

And for the UAE Badminton Federation, it was another milestone in its mission to grow the game at the grassroots level — and inspire the next generation of UAE champions.

“This is more than just a celebration. It’s a movement to promote badminton as a sport for all,” said Noura Aljasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation.

“The diversity among participants reflects the community we aim to build, especially those passionate about sport. Events like these help us identify talent and create a pathway for future success.”

A total of 290 players competed in eight open-category events, while 48 Special Olympics athletes and their unified partners competed in a dedicated event. But the spotlight remained firmly on the increasing Emirati engagement with the sport.

Sixteen-year-old Abdulaziz Mohamed Yahya, who recently became the first Emirati to medal on the international circuit — winning silver in Bulgaria — was back in action in Al Ain, this time alongside his junior partner Hamdan.

Their performance in the doubles drew praise, but it was the broader scene that excited Yahya.

“These tournaments are an eye-opener. They show the competition level, encourage training, and bring the community together,” said the national team shuttler.

Yahya’s teammate, Riyan Malhan, fresh off a bronze medal win in the boys’ doubles in Bulgaria, echoed the sentiment, adding that playing in the triples event — a fast-paced AirBadminton format — was one of the highlights of his day.

Among the guests present were Aljasmi, Khalaf Salem Al Wahidi from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Bushra Mohamed from the Abu Dhabi Racket Club.

“Al Ain has always shown strong support for sport,” said Al Wahidi. “We hope parents see this as a great opportunity for their children to get to know badminton. Who knows — perhaps a future champion will emerge from one of our families.”

Indeed, the rising number of Emirati participants — from schoolchildren to elite juniors — suggests that the future is closer than imagined.

Sunday’s event also marked the 81-day countdown to the Al Ain Masters 2025, a BWF World Tour Super 100 tournament set to take place from September 30 to October 5 at the Al Ain Club.

Organised by the UAE Badminton Federation with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the tournament will welcome 250 athletes from 55 countries, offering world ranking points ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.

But for all its international sheen, the true heartbeat of the Al Ain Masters lies in the passion of the local community — and in the Emiratis now picking up rackets in growing numbers.