The India Club UAE Open Badminton Tournament returns for its 38th edition to bring players from around the UAE, as well as the world, together for over three weeks of competition.

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Commencing on Monday, May 18 and running until Friday, June 12, the tournament, which started in 1978, will once again comprise of 26 categories.

A majority of the categories are for youngsters as the tournament continues to develop the grassroots level of badminton in the UAE.

“We really want to promote badminton amongst children and create future champions from the UAE,” said Wales Thomas, member of the tournament’s organising committee.

“Last year, boys under 18 years old weren’t allowed to participate in mixed doubles, but this year we have taken out this restriction because we want to bring out the children. As we do every year, we will carry out our CSR initiative by inviting children with special needs and inviting people from labour camps to play.”

In the previous event, 600 entries were registered with a record number of 574 matches played, featuring competitors from Pakistan, India, Qatar, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Germany. Players from around the world can enter with no restriction.

India Club is also inviting eight ranked players from India and Malaysia to take part in the super series for men singles and men doubles, to be played from June 7-12. The winners and runners-up in the UAE Open main frame will go and play along with the ranked players in the super series. The four players from India are Anup Sridhar, Harshit Agarwal, Mohit Kamat and Siddharth Thakur.

Representing Malaysia will be Muhammad Hafiz Bin Hashim, Zairul Hafiz Bin Zainudin, Mohamad Razlan Shah Bin Mohd Ridzuan Shah and Nur Izzuddin Bin Rumsani.

“This year we are raising the profile of the tournament. We are inviting players from Malaysia and India to play in the Superseries event, which is planned to conclude the tournament,” said Sunil Singh, head of the organising committee.

“This will be our contribution towards badminton. The sport has become big in India thanks to Saina Nehwal being world No1 and we are taking advantage of that.”

Winners will earn cash prizes, trophies and gift hampers totaling more than Dh60,000. Mementos and certificates will be presented to all participants in special needs and blue color labour categories.

The special needs children will be from SNF Development Center, Dubai Autism Center and more as part of India Club’s CSR activity. Entries will close on Sunday, May 20 and players can register by filling out the form on India Club’s website, www.indiaclubdubai.com. Payment for entries must be submitted by Sunday, May 10.

Players will be restricted to participating in three categories, with matches taking place from 19:00 on weekdays and 10:00 on Fridays.

What: India Club UAE Open Badminton Tournament
Where: India Club, Dubai
When: May 18 to June 12, with entry payment required by May 10
Contact: Visit www.indiaclubdubai.com for the entry form and more information