India Club UAE Open Badminton Tournament from April 26

Dubai - The 40th instalment of the tournament will see some top quality players from different parts of the world converge in Dubai

The oldest badminton tournament and one that has embedded itself into UAE's fabric - the India Club UAE Open Badminton Tournament -is all set for the 40th instalment later this month.
The storied tournament, which has a rich tradition ever since its first edition in 1978, will again see some top quality players from different parts of the world, converge in Dubai from April 26. The tournament runs until May 19.
Over the years, the tournament, sponsored by Henna Speedy, has seen top ranked players from India as well as other countries parade their wares. 
But, in an effort to harness local talent here in the UAE and added to the fact that one gets to see these players during the Dubai Shuttle Time, the organisers have refrained from sending out invites.
They did add though that the top ranked players are free to take part in the tournament. 
"The idea is to give players residing in the UAE a chance to make a mark. The top players do come during Dubai Shuttle time and it defeats the whole purpose. And although we have decided not to invite top ranked players, it is open for them and they are free to take part," Bharat Chachara, General Manager, India Club, said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
The tournament will see players compete in 28 categories with 15 categories for juniors, starting from Under-9. All the matches will be played in line with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules and regulations.
Last year, 603 entries were registered in the 28 categories. Expat players from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Malaysia and Singapore took part in the tournament.  
"We are happy to see that we have exceeded last year. We were given a Four Star Rating in the Sports Events Ranking System by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) last year. We are the oldest and the richest badminton tournament and we are proud to announce another edition," Sunil Singh, Sports Convenor, India Club, said.
The organisers said that, as in the past, each player will be allowed to participate in only three events.
As part of India Club's drive towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as in the previous years, exhibition matches will be conducted for the Special Needs Children/Individuals. 
Also, invitations will be sent to Labour camps seeking participation. Mementos and Certificates will be awarded to all the participants in the Special Needs and Blue Color Labour categories.
The last date for entries is April 22.
james@khalejtimes.com