• Elite international fencers to participate in fencing championship today

• Conclusion of the gold category competitions in the International Padel Federation Championship today

DUBAI: The organising committee has further hiked the total prize money for athletes participating in the 12th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament.

Arguably the largest sports tournament of its kind that has been launched and sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the event is held annually at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex during the holy month of Ramadan, 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 total prize money awarded to the winners of the eleven sporting disciplines this year along with attractive prizes for the spectators has reached AED 4.5 million, thus confirming the event’s position at the forefront of sporting championships held during the holy month of Ramadan.

Of the total prizemoney allocated for athletes in the eleven championships, a major part of AED 1.5 million will be for the volleyball competition, AED 764,000 for the various categories in the Padel competition, a further AED 500,000 for cycling, AED 370,000 for the tug-of-war, AED 350,000 each for the road run and Obstacle Challenge, a further AED 210,000 for Wheelchair Basketball, AED 150,000 for winners in various categories of the Jiu-Jitsu and finally AED 60,000 each for the Fencing, Badminton and Shooting Laser Run competition.

In addition, the organizing committee will also offer daily prizes to the general public, through daily draws and takeaways in appreciation of their role in encouraging teams and motivating players during the course of the competitions.

Fencing starts

Meanwhile, the Fencing championship in Epee will start from 8 pm today (Sunday) in which elite international fencers from different countries will participate.

There will be two competitions, namely an international Epee championship for men featuring fencers from 13 countries including Italy, Peru, Egypt, France, Tunisia, Slovakia, India, USA, Russia, Tajikistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and a separate competition for athletes from the UAE national team and clubs.

There will also be a separate competition for girls and women in the UAE irrespective of their country of birth. Sunday will be for the preliminary rounds of these competitions, while the third place and gold medal matches will be held on Monday.

Strong line-up of competitions

The International Padel Federation Championship for the gold category is witnessing strong competitions between the participants, as the final matches for this category will be held today (Sunday), in which a large number of international players are participating.

From Monday, the Nad Al Sheba Championship for Padel Teams will commence featuring teams from Asia. This competition will till March 7. From March 8 to 12 will be the Open category doubles featuring 32 teams.

From March 13 to 16 will be International Padel Federation (FIP) Championship for juniors followed by a separate competition for UAE based players from March 16 to 20.

The Jiu-Jitsu Championship will be held on March 5 and 6, while the Obstacle Challenge will start on March 6 and continue till March 10. The running race will be held on March 8, while the badminton championships will be worked out on March 8 and 9. The wheelchair basketball championship will start on March 9 and continue until March 19.

The shooting and running championship (Laser Run) will be held on March 10 and 11, while the tug-of-war championship will start on March 11 and continue till March 18. The cycling race will be held on March 15 and 16, while the volleyball championship competitions will start on March 12 and continue till March 20.

Avinash Babur, Founder and CEO, InsuranceMarket.ae was thrilled to be backing an event like the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament. “We believe that sport embodies the same values that we hold in business, namely teamwork, perseverance and a relentless drive for excellence. The Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of unity, determination and the wonderful spirit that brings people together. We are proud to support this sporting event that promotes healthy living and inspires individuals and communities to push their limits and achieve excellence and success,” Babur said.