Dubai: More than 150 badminton players took part in the first Shuttle Time Dubai Open at the Etisalat Academy last week.
The event was the first in a series of tournaments aimed at increasing participation in the sport locally, following a four-year agreement to hold the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals at Dubai’s Hamdan Sports Complex from this December 17-21.
“The numbers gathered here reflect the high level of interest there is for badminton in Dubai and across the UAE,” said Shuttle Time Dubai coordinator Jaffar Ebrahim. “Today we had over one hundred players ranging in age from seven to 50 years old playing in the tournament.
“In addition we also had over 30 children receive an introduction to badminton on the Shuttle Time court, which is great. We hope for even bigger crowds for the next Shuttle Time Open.”
Winners and best sportsmanship award winners at this event won a slot in a star player clinic during December’s main event.
The BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals sees the top eight players from the BWF Destination Dubai Rankings from the 12-stage MetLife BWF World Superseries — in singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories — compete for a share of a $1 million dollar jackpot.
The next Shuttle Time Dubai event will be on October 21.
Tickets for December’s BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae, selected Samsung and Jacky’s outlets across the UAE or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823). Prices start from Dh20, with those under 18 years of age entering for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
