News DeskDubai, UAE – The 12th edition of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament (NASST), under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, roared to life on Thursday with the Obstacle Challenge Race (OCR) taking center stage. Held under the slogan “Limitless Capabilities” and chaired by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ramadan sporting spectacle promises adrenaline-packed action across 10 disciplines, drawing athletes and teams from the UAE and beyond.
Obstacle Challenge Race Kicks Off
The OCR, a timed 400-meter race featuring 11 obstacles, opened with fierce competition in men’s and women’s open categories. Participants must clear all hurdles within five minutes, with strict rules: two attempts per obstacle or face penalties. The top 20 qualifiers from each category will advance to the finals.
Wheelchair Basketball Draw Unveiled
Meanwhile, the Wheelchair Basketball Championship saw a balanced draw, with defending champions Dubai Police grouped alongside Sharjah Police, Department of Finance, Dubai Courts, and RTA in Group 1. Group 2 features teams like Dubai Municipality and Mai Dubai. Matches begin Sunday, March 9, with Dubai Police tipping off against Dubai Courts at 9:30 PM.
DAMAC Properties Steps In as Diamond Sponsor
Adding momentum, DAMAC Properties announced its diamond sponsorship for NASST 2025, reinforcing its commitment to community sports. Ali Sajwani, DAMAC’s General Manager, emphasized their focus on “initiatives that enrich lives and promote fitness,” aligning with recent partnerships in padel and Dubai Games.
Padel Championship Thrills
In the Nad Al Sheba Padel Championship, Saudi Arabia staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Australia 2-1. After dropping the first match, Saudi players clawed back, with Sattam Al Shahrani and Hussein Al Maraj sealing victory in a tense third-set tiebreak. The Netherlands and Iran also notched wins against Kuwait and Bahrain, respectively.
Upcoming Events
The tournament’s calendar remains packed:
- March 8–9: Running Race and Badminton
- March 9–19: Wheelchair Basketball Knockouts
- March 10–11: Laser Run (Shooting + Running)
- March 15–16: Cycling Race
- March 12–20: Volleyball Championships
Registrations for events like tug-of-war and obstacle races remain open via www.nasst.ae. With a blend of elite competition and inclusivity, NASST 2025 continues its legacy as the region’s premier Ramadan sports festival.
