Stage set for UAE Open badminton

Country’s oldest event adds new features and expects record participation

India Club UAE Open Badminton tournament, the UAE’s oldest badminton tournament, will stage its 43rd edition from March 17 at the India Club badminton courts.

The organisers have decided to make this edition special through some innovative ideas. For the first time, the event will run an Emirati Junior tournament to boost the game among youngsters while the event will also have Air Badminton, an outdoor event which was introduced by Badminton World Federation in May last year.

The tournament’s first edition was held in 1978 and it’s popularity of the tournament has grown over the years with a massive rise in participation every year. Speaking to Gulf News, Sunil Singh, who heads the Badminton Organising Committee, said: “Last year, we had a record 700 participants and expect to break that record too this time. We are introducing a Emirati junior tournament for eight categories from the age of 12 to 18 to provide a platform for Emiratis. The Air Badminton, to be held outdoor, will be played with newly designed shuttle cock and will have six categories in this division.”

The tournament will have a staggering 51 categories. “Cash prizes amounting to a total of Dh65,000 will be given away, making it the richest badminton tournament in the country. After one-month long contests, the final will be held on April 17,” said Suresh Menon, the club’s sports secretary.

Entry forms are available on www.tournamentsoftware.com. The link is also available on India Club website www. indiaclubdubai.com. The last date for receiving entries will be March 10.