Monday, Jun 22, 2015
Dubai: Zabeel and Dream Dubai opened their campaigns with comfortable wins in the volleyball competition at the Third Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Ramadan Sports Tournament at the NAS Sports Complex.
Champions for the last two years, Zabeel Team started the defence of their title with a fluent 25-22, 25-10, 25-18 win over Axiom in their group A match. Dream Dubai stuttered late on but still earned a 25-15, 25-22, 25-20 win against the Commandos.
Zabeel seemed to continue where they left off last year as they excelled in attack and defence, though only in fits and starts. With Algeria’s Hashmi Mohammad Mahdi guiding them from the rear, Zabeel had enough to triumph with ease.
“We have the hat-trick of titles in mind, but for this we need to take it one match at a time and win each and every one. We are glad to make a winning start,” Mahdi told Gulf News.
“I think we have a solid all-round team with a lot of potential. But we need to play to our strengths and we will improve with each match.”
The second match also looked headed for a one-sided finish until the Commandos staged a fightback late in the second set, although Dream Dubai were able to hold on. Humaid Al Neyadi came up with a man of the match performance in defence.
Earlier, the third edition of this annual tournament was officially opened in the presence of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC).
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council (DSC), this year’s tournament involves six different sports — futsal, volleyball, a 10km road run, a 70km cycling race, wheelchair basketball and archery — with a total prize fund of Dh8 million.
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,” he said in his opening address.
The tournament, sponsored by Emaar Properties, will conclude with the futsal final on July 10.
By Alaric Gomes Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2015. All rights reserved.
