Top stars for Abu Dhabi event

Annual India Social Centre tournament to start on February 6

@gulfnews.com – Abu Dhabi: The India Social Centre (ISC) is expecting an array of international shuttlers for the 35th edition of the ISC-Apex Open badminton tournament, which begins at their premises on February 6.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday night, ISC President Ramesh Panicker said the ISC Open Badminton is one of the most prestigious events on their calendar.

“In fact before every new managing committee takes over, the outgoing committee makes it a point that this event continues and it has been held every year for the last 34 years,” Panicker said.

Apex Trading Company is the main sponsor, while UAE Exchange Centre and Gray McKenzie are support sponsors for the event.

600 entries

“We are expecting over 600 entries and competitions will be held in 16 categories. This year we are introducing an under-10 category and this is due to many clubs, including some from the GCC nations who would like to participate at this level,” said Sports Secretary Manoj G.M.

Badminton Secretary at the club George Gregory Thomas said a few international players from India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bahrain have shown an interest and these star players would join the event at the latter stages. The finals will be played on February 26.

“We have three courts of international standard and those who have played have been very impressed. That is one of the reasons that some of the top players will be seen in action this year,” said Thomas, adding that at ISC itself there were 600 registered badminton playing members.