The UAE dethroned reigning champions the Netherlands to clinch the Padel Teams title at the 12th ‘Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament’, the largest sporting event of its kind, launched and sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Held annually during the holy month of Ramadan at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the annual event is conducted under the slogan ‘Limitless Capabilities’.
The winners were awarded their trophy and medals by Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Padel Association, along with UAE Sports Minister Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, and Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
The final was also attended by Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, Ismail Al Hashemi, First Vice President of the Asian Padel Federation, Second Vice President of the UAE Padel Association, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, Saeed Al Marri, Secretary General of the UAE Padel Tennis Federation and Hassan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Tournament. Considered outsiders, the UAE were dominant on court while winning both their matches on Friday night. Ignacio Villarino and Enric Giunaga had to dig in deep before winning 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 against Mats Groen and Kai Groen. Inigo Joffre and Warnau Eyates then confirmed the title for the hosts with a swift 6-1, 6-3 win against the Dutch duo of Jank Verwater and Nicolas Van Beetto.
Among the highlights of the evening was a raffle draw for a free brand-new Ford Territory car, courtesy Al Tayer Motors.
Wheelchair Basketball kicks off: A total of four group matches will be held on the opening night of the Wheelchair Basketball Championship from 9.30 pm on Sunday at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, Al Ghusais.
Defending champions Dubai Police will commence their title defence with a match against Dubai Courts, followed by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs taking on Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
Sharjah Police will meet the Department of Finance at 10.50 pm, while Dubai Municipality will be up against Mai Dubai at 11.30 pm.
On Monday, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai will meet Mai Dubai, Dubai Police will take on Department of Finance, Community Development Authority will face Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and the Roads and Transport Authority will line it up against Dubai Courts.
The ten participating teams in the tournament have been divided into two groups, with the first group comprising of Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Department of Finance, Dubai Courts and the Roads and Transport Authority, while the second group includes the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Mai Dubai, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and the Community Development Authority.
Tug-of-War draw: Meanwhile, the organizing committee has conducted the tug-of-war draw. The preliminary rounds fo the competition are scheduled to commence from Tuesday (March 11). There will be three categories for the competition, namely the Junior category, Government Departments and Institutions and the Community category.
The eight participating teams in the Junior category have been divided into two groups, with the first group comprising of Sharjah Academy for Police Sciences, A25 Gym Fitness Center, Ahmed Bin Rashid School and B Ninjaz, while the second group includes EFBB Sports Academy, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, Desert Storm and Sharjah Sports Council.
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