Zabeel and Dream Dubai begin campaign in style

Nad Al Sheba Ramadan Sports gets off to a rousing start

Zabeel Team, the defending champions, began with a 25-22, 25-10, 25-18 win over Axiom (dark outfits) in their Group A match. Also winning on the opening night were Dream Dubai who fought their way past the Commandos 25-15, 25-22, 25-20. — Supplied photo

Dubai — The third chapter of the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament got off to a rousing start with the high octane opening round volleyball matches late on Sunday night after a ceremonial function in the multi-event championships at the NAS Sports Complex.

This year’s tournaments are being held in six disciplines namely futsal, volleyball, a 10km road run, a 70km cycling race, wheelchair basketball and archery with a total prize fund of Dh8 million.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), was the chief guest on the opening night. The championships are being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

The 2015 NAS Ramadan Sports Tournament is sponsored by Emaar Properties. The event will conclude with the futsal final on July 10. Zabeel Team, the defending champions, began with a 25-22, 25-10, 25-18 win over Axiom in their Group A match, while Dream Dubai fought their way past the Commandos 25-15, 25-22, 25-20.

The all-round capabilities of the two-time champions Zabeel saw them handle the difficult situations much better than their gutsy opponents. Import Hashmi Mohammed Mahdi was outstanding for Zabeel with his spiking and blocking skills upfront during the first two sets. The third set was more of a formality despite Axiom putting up a late fight. But Zabeel kept their cool to win the set and match. Commandos woke up late after succumbing to the better receving skills of their opponents in the first two sets. They led in the third set 14-10, but with Ali Mohammed and man of the match Humaid Al Neyadi in full flow, Dream Dubai bounced back and drew level at 16-16 to win the deciding third set and the match.

The opening where over 4,000 spectators attended, saw performers depict the rich sporting traditionsof the nation. “Sport is meant to give our youth the right guidance and direction and I am sure this event will not just bring people together but also nurture young talent for a bright future of our country,” tournament director Hassan Al Mazrouei said.