Abu Dhabi hosts inaugural Badminton
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Badminton Federation are teaming up to host the first-ever Badminton Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) – Marina Hall. It’s happening from October 17th to 22nd.
This tournament offers a prize fund of $120,000 and will feature 232 male and female players from 43 different countries, including a top-tier group of the 50 best players.
The tournament is honored to have the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who serves as the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The event’s announcement took place on Monday at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council headquarters. Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation and Vice President of Badminton Asia, Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of Support Services at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Samih Al Maysari, CEO of 316 Sports Services, were among those present, along with various administrators and members of the media.
Noura Al Jasmi emphasized the importance of hosting Abu Dhabi’s first-ever international badminton tournament. She highlighted the significance of elite players from around the world coming together to compete for the championship title.
Al Jasmi highlighted that the Abu Dhabi Masters Championship is the initial step towards the Federation’s goal of hosting additional world championships in the future. She also commended the partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, which is actively promoting the growth of badminton in the country.
Al Jasmi expressed her pride in the event being a pioneering initiative not only in the UAE but also in the broader region. She expressed optimism that their ongoing efforts to develop the sport and nurture players would pave the way for the UAE’s participation in significant international tournaments in the times ahead.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Badminton Federation
Ahmed Al Qubaisi stated, “The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is committed to its strategy and goals of supporting sports and athletes. We are enthusiastic about extending our full support to the Abu Dhabi Masters Badminton Championship, which will feature over 200 male and female players representing 43 countries worldwide.”
“We take great pride in ensuring that all the essential elements are in place to attain the anticipated successes associated with hosting this event, in collaboration with our valued partners. With the collective dedication of all parties, we are confident that this tournament held in Abu Dhabi will further solidify the emirate’s reputation as a premier global destination for hosting top-tier international sporting events,” he emphasized.
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“We extend a warm welcome to participants from every corner of the globe and extend our best wishes for success in the forthcoming tournament. To everyone involved, including players, administrators, coaches, and organizers, we wish you a pleasant stay in Abu Dhabi, a renowned hub for international sporting competitions,” Al Qubaisi added.
Jaafar Ibrahim, Director of Development at the International Badminton Federation, characterized the Abu Dhabi Masters Championship as a remarkable event. He highlighted its significant role in advancing the sport, not only in the Emirates but also across the Middle East. He underlined its unique status as the sole international tournament in the region sanctioned by the International Federation World Championship.
“The tournament is a vital part of our efforts to develop badminton in the UAE and Abu Dhabi. It helps promote racket sports and introduces badminton to a wider audience in our society,” he explained.
Samih Al Maysari, CEO of 316 Sports Services, highlighted that having the Abu Dhabi Masters Championship as the sole tournament in the Middle East within the global World Tour championship series reflects the increasing impact of the region on the global badminton stage.
“The tournament marks a significant stepping stone for players as it provides valuable points for their journey towards the 2024 Paris Olympics,” he noted. “The Abu Dhabi Masters Championship serves as a platform not only for the top players in the UAE but also for those from the wider Arab world and emerging Emirati talents who will participate in five thrilling competitions,” he added.
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The tournament will feature a total of 166 matches, with male and female players vying for victory in five different categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
