Al Nasr Club Dominates Dubai Open Badminton Tournament as Youth Talent Shines
Al Nasr Club’s youth athletes delivered standout performances at the Dubai Open Badminton Academies Tournament, concluding a vibrant three-day competition that underscored the emirate’s commitment to developing future sporting champions.
Held under the joint aegis of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and the UAE Badminton Federation, and operated by Prime Star Sports Academy, the tournament welcomed budding talents from across the country, competing in age categories from Under-9 to Under-13.
Rising Stars Take Centre Stage
In a tournament brimming with youthful energy and competitive spirit, Al Nasr players consistently emerged among the top contenders. Amna Ahmad clinched gold in the Girls U-13 Singles, showcasing precision and poise to edge past Jofila Kannan of Shuttlezone, while Rusham Deepak and Kanishka Selvarani of Prime Star Sports secured joint third.
The Boys U-13 Singles followed suit, as Hamdan Salem added another gold to Al Nasr’s tally, with Ethan Prasanth of Fire Rallies Sports Academy earning silver. Jason Mark (Prime Star Sports) and Kishan Bhanaskaran (Strikerz) rounded out the podium with bronze finishes.
Al Nasr’s influence extended to the Boys U-11 Singles, where Rashed Salem stood tall, overcoming a competitive draw that saw Matthew Mukkath (Regional Sports Academy) take silver, and Laksh Vijay and Shlok Dani finish with bronze.
Prime Star Academy left a strong mark, particularly in the Girls U-11 Singles, with Shariva Bhagvati leading a podium sweep by Mary Feby, Prisha Vinay Kumar Vaishya, and Smiti Venkati Smitahi.
Meanwhile, rising stars from Deepika Sports Academy and Engage Sports Academy also left their mark, especially in the U-9 categories, adding variety and depth to the tournament’s talent pool.
UAE’s Vision for Sports Development on Display
Beyond the medals, the event reflected broader ambitions. “This tournament reflects our commitment to empowering future generations of athletes,” said Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, Director of Sports Talent Development at DSC. “We aim to provide platforms where young talents can compete, grow, and represent the UAE on a global stage.”
A crowd-favourite was the exhibition match between five-year-olds Ryan Sreejith and Ayaan Mehta — a playful yet powerful nod to the early nurturing of sporting potential, a priority in the Council’s youth development strategy.
Strategic Partnerships Fuel Tournament Success
Ravi Kumar, Director of Prime Star Sports Services, praised the collaboration behind the event:
“We are proud to collaborate with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Badminton Federation in hosting this tournament for the first time. The event has been a resounding success, drawing wide participation from players across all age groups and uncovering a wealth of emerging talent.”
The tournament’s success was further buoyed by sponsors including Yonex, Cloud Premises, and Master Legend Sports, whose support helped elevate the overall experience for both players and spectators.
As shuttlecocks flew and young stars emerged, the Dubai Open Badminton Academies Tournament proved more than just a competition — it was a celebration of youth, community, and the power of sport to unite and inspire
