CSS ASSOCIATE AS CO-SUPPORT SPONSOR
The 36th edition of the India Club – India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament commenced on Monday, 20th May 2013 and concluded on Friday June 14th, 2013 at the India Club, Dubai. The tournament was first inaugurated in the year 1978.
H.E. M. K. Lokesh, The Indian Ambassador to UAE, H. E. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General, Community Development Authority, Dr. Omar Muthanna, CEO, Community Development Authority and Dr. Ram Buxani, Chairman, India Club inaugurated the tournament.
This year, the Tournament comprised of 26 categories as against 14 categories in the previous year. To encourage and promote badminton amongst youngsters, various categories under age groups 8 yrs to 18 yrs have been included. Due to popular demand, Masters and Super Veteran categories were reintroduced.
The finals of the tournament occurred on Friday, June 14, 2013 whereby cash prizes, trophies and gift hampers amounting to more than AED 50,000/- were the highlight of the prestigious “India Club – India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament 2013”.
“As co-support sponsor, CSS Group is extremely proud to be associated with India Club and the prestigious UAE Open Badminton Tournament. Our partnership with India Club grows stronger year on year and we are delighted to be a long standing supporter and sponsor for this tournament,” added, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.
Dubai-based Mohammed Munawer and Indian Olympian Valiyaveetil Diju stole the show at the India Club on Friday as they shared the accolades on the final day of the 36th edition of the Indiabulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament.
On a day that showcased contrasting talents from the 18-year-old Munawer to the 32-year-old veteran Diju, the young teenager, who featured in all three finals in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, won the men’s singles title, while Diju bagged top honours in doubles and mixed doubles.
“I was born and brought up in Dubai. I started performing better since last year. I’m from Kerala and there I’m ranked under-19 No1 and men’s singles No1,” added Munawer.
Diju, on the other hand, a doubles specialist who represented India in mixed doubles at the London 2012 Olympics, enjoyed his second appearance at the tournament here in Dubai and was thrilled to soak up the crowd support.
Highlights of the 2013 Tournament
- The tournament was inaugurated on Monday, 20th May 2013.
- On an average 25 matches were played daily for 24 days.
- A record number of 143 matches were played on two weekends, Fridays, 24th May & 7th June.
- Daily crowd: Approx 300 including Club Members/Badminton Players/ Guests.
- In all the 26 categories, 559 entries were received.
- A total number of 533 matches were played throughout the tournament (the highest ever for India Club on record).
- Players from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Hungary, Iran, Lithuania & Jordan took part in the tournament besides the local Indian & Pakistani expats residing in the UAE.
- The Badminton Committee comprised of A. K. Prakashan, Manoj Mathews, Wales Thomas & Anil Mohan.
- A team of 25 Officials were also set up for the tournament.
- This tournament started in the early 1978.