News DeskDubai, UAE – The 12th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, witnessed fierce competition as athletes across age groups showcased their prowess in the Laser Run Shooting and Running Championships and tug-of-war events. The tournament, organized under the slogan “Limitless Capabilities” and spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, concluded its Laser Run segment late Tuesday at the Nad Al Sheba Indoor Complex, with Abdullah Yousef Al Falasi and Mohammed Al Marouni emerging as standout champions.
Laser Run Champions Crowned
Al Falasi clinched victory in the Over-30 category with a blistering time of 3 minutes and 41 seconds, narrowly edging out Salem Abdullah (3:43) and Ali Abdulbaqi Mohammed (3:48). Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Marouni dominated the Over-50 category, clocking 3:21 minutes to finish ahead of Saif Matar Al Jabri (3:34) and Ahmed Hassanein Thabet (3:39).
In a tightly contested Over-40 race, Khaled Ahmed triumphed with a time of 5:01 minutes, outpacing Dubai Sports Council’s Ahmed Nabil (5:05) and Saleh Issa (5:07). Youth categories also saw fierce battles, with Nawaf Al Zaabi (Under-17, 6:53), Abdulrahman Al Ketbi (Under-15, 3:59), and Dhiyab Omar Al Ketbi (Under-13, 2:38) securing top honors. The youngest competitors, including Hamdan Hamad Ali (Under-9, 3:02), highlighted the tournament’s emphasis on nurturing future talent.
Dr. Huda Al Matrooshi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation, alongside tournament officials, crowned the winners, emphasizing the event’s role in promoting athletic excellence.
Tug-of-War: Defending Champions Hold Strong
The tug-of-war competitions delivered high-octane drama, with defending champions National Guards overpowering Dubai Media Incorporated 2-0 in the Government Departments category. Other notable victories included Ras Al Khaimah Civil Defence’s 2-0 win over Dubai Police and Al Habtoor Group’s 2-1 thriller against Agnes Contracting in the community division.
Upcoming clashes on Thursday will see National Guards face Dubai Civil Defence, while Kerala Kings take on Truss Trading in the community bracket. Junior teams like B Ninja and Sharjah Sports Council also advanced, setting the stage for intense semifinals.
Volleyball and Wheelchair Basketball Updates
The volleyball tournament, featuring international stars from France, Italy, Russia, and Belarus, continues to draw crowds. Thursday’s Group Two matches will pit Al Hilal against Al Samawi, while 2023 runners-up Zabeel Panthers clash with Al Tadawi 2.
In wheelchair basketball, Dubai Police solidified their Group One lead with a narrow 26-24 win over Sharjah Police, maintaining a flawless record. Dubai Municipality’s dominant 20-0 victory over the Identity and Foreigners Affairs team underscored their title ambitions.
A Festival of Sport
With events spanning Laser Run, tug-of-war, volleyball, and wheelchair basketball, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament continues to embody Dubai’s commitment to fostering inclusive, world-class sporting spectacles. As competitions intensify, all eyes remain on the arena where skill, endurance, and “Limitless Capabilities” collide.
