NAS Ramadan Sports Tournament opens in a riot of colour

Zabeel and Dream Dubai began their campaign on a winning note in the volleyball tournament at the third edition of the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament being held at the NAS Sports Complex.

Champions for the last two years, Zabeel Team started the defence of their title with an easy 25-22, 25-10, 25-18 win over Axiom in their group A match, while Dream Dubai also secured a convincing 25-15, 25-22, 25-20 win against the Commandos.

Zabeel was the better side and they made an early impression while excelling in offence and defence from the start. Though they seemed to struggle to get their combination right in the first set, they gradually improved in the second with some attacking play led by their foreign player Hashmi Mohammed Mahdi. The third set was more of a formality despite Axiom putting up a late fight. But Zabeel kept their cool to win the set and match.

The second match of the night was a lop-sided affair with the Commandos putting up a late resistance after losing the first two sets. They led in the third set 14-10, but with Ali Mohammed and man of the match Humaid Al Neyadi in full flow, Dream Dubai bounced back and drew level at 16-16 to win the deciding third set and the match.

Meanwhile, the third edition of this annual tournament officially got under way on Sunday with the attendance of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC).

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), this year’s tournament is being held in six different sports disciplines including Futsal, Volleyball, a 10km road run, a 70km cycling race, wheelchair basketball and archery with a total prize fund of Dh8 million for the various winners.

Sunday’s opening ceremony used a riot of colour and light to depict the central theme of urging youth towards core sporting principles of determination, perseverence, stamina and the will to achieve. These principles were explained through a narrative and skit that was inter-woven in a film that at the same time depicted the history and culture of the UAE.

Earlier, Tournament Director Hassan Al Mazrouei welcomed the 4,000-odd spectators gathered to witness the opening ceremony.

“Sport is meant to give our youth the right guidance and direction and I am sure this event will not just bring people together but also nurture young talent for a bright future of our country,” Hassan Al Mazrouei said in his opening address.

The 2015 NAS Ramadan Sports Tournament is sponsored by Emaar Properties. The event will conclude with the Futsal final on July 10.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.