Dubai: A four-member squad representing the UAE is hoping to create a maximum impact as they participate in the inaugural Fazza Dubai Para-Badminton International 2018 being held at the Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club from Thursday.
A total of 122 players from 23 countries are participating in this event that is scheduled to be elevated as a rankings competition towards qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where the sport is due to make its debut as an Olympic sport.
The host club — Dubai Club for People of Determination (DCPD) — is being represented by Salama Al Khatri in the women’s competition, while Rashid Mohammad and Humaid Fawzi will compete in the men’s category. The fourth member will be Mohammad Al Zarouni from the Al Thiqah Club, Sharjah.
“One day I want to be representing my country at the Olympic Games, and this international competition is only the start of the learning process for me,” Al Khatri told Gulf News.
The Grade XII student from Gems Al Khaleej National School, Al Garhoud is not going to have the going easy as she had to appear for her periodic examinations in the same week as the competition. “But the school has been kind enough to give me special dispensation and allow me to appear for the exams the following week. I can now concentrate on my badminton and ensure the UAE flag flies high,” added the 17-year-old.
Also seeking to make a memorable debut for the host nation is Sharjah lad Al Zarouni, a badminton player since the past two decades. “I want to do the best I can for my country,” Al Zarouni related.
“I’ve always dreamt of being at the highest stage, and hopefully this week will prove to be a determining moment of my career as a sportsperson,” he added.
“This is the first time international para-badminton tournament is being held in the Middle East region,” Mohammad Abdul Karim Julfar, vice-chairman, Organising Committee said at the press conference held at the DCPD late on Tuesday.
“Next year we begin the qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and our tournament will be one of the ranking events sanctioned by world governing body Badminton World Federation (BWF),” he added.
After the entire Wednesday was spent by players training at the venue, the tournament will open at 9am on Thursday and will be followed by the opening ceremony at 7pm in the evening. The finals in all categories will be held on April 15.
