Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament kicks off on Saturday

• Organisers expecting more than 7,000 male and female athletes for the event
• Organizing Committee completes preparations for the launch of the 12th edition of annual competition
• Registration period extended to allow athletes to participate in various sports

DUBAI: The competitions for the 12th edition of the ‘Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament’ are all set to kick off later today (Saturday).

Perhaps the largest sports tournament of its kind, launched and sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, this event is held annually during the holy month of Ramadan, at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan ‘Limitless Capabilities’.

The organizing committee has completed all preparations for the launch of the tournament’s competitions, and has also announced the extension of the registration period for most of the sports that are witnessing a large turnout to provide an opportunity for athletes of all nationalities to participate in the tournament.

The number of registered athletes so far has reached more than 7,000 athletes in all categories and physical levels, who are excited to participate in the eleven sports on offer this year, namely volleyball, padel, jiu-jitsu, fencing, wheelchair basketball, running, cycling, tug-of-war and obstacle course race, along with the introduction of two new sports – badminton and shooting with a Laser Run.

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, said: “The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has become the most important community sporting event, thanks to the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. The tournament is witnessing significant growth and development every year, and the number of sports it includes has reached eleven diverse disciplines with a wide audience, including Olympic sports and community sports that are carefully selected to contribute to refining the talents of our athletes and developing their levels by competing with the strongest athletes in all the tournaments.”

“The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has contributed to spreading the culture of practicing sports among different segments of society and has motivated our athletes and elite international athletes who head to Dubai in the month of Ramadan each year to participate and compete. Amateur and professional athletes from inside and outside the country look forward to the month of Ramadan every year to participate in the events of the largest sports tournament of its kind, which allows everyone to participate and experience competition and get to know others, win championships and distinctive financial and commemorative prizes. The tournament has also contributed to attracting different segments of society to attend the competitions and encourage participants in a beautiful civilized manner during this holy month,” he added.

Registration for participation in various sports can be done through the tournament’s approved electronic system on the official website: www.nasst.ae.

The tug of war tournament is being held for the second year in-a-row. This popular heritage sport, which was added for the first time last year, is a model of teamwork, team spirit and the excitement it adds, especially since it is a popular sport in many countries and on different continents, and is practiced by individuals from all communities in the country.

Tug-of-war is considered one of the popular events that adds a spirit of competition among participants and enthusiasm among the audience. The tournament will be held in two stages: the first is the group stage, where each group consists of four teams and the matches will be held in a single-round league system to determine the rankings and see which of the teams advance to the next round. The second stage will be held in a knockout system, and each match will be a best-of-three rounds contest.