Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Oct 11: India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), the largest socio – cultural organization for the Indian community in the Middle East and title sponsor Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free join hands to host the second Abu Dhabi Open Badminton Team League Tournament at the India Social & Cultural Centre. This event is presented by Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty and powered by NMC Group.

ISC facilitates its members with high profile courts for badminton, squash, tennis, table tennis in addition to snooker/billiard rooms, swimming pool and gymnasium.

Having a current strength of 2,300 members (8,000 including dependants) and with its state- of- the- art building spanning over an area of 100,000 sq ft, India Social & Cultural Centre, here established in the year 1967 enjoys an atmosphere of harmony and goodwill, having socio-cultural, recreational and sports as incessant activities. Throughout its 49 years, by associating in cultural diversities and traditions of UAE and India, ISC has been constantly contributing towards enhancing and strengthening the age old cordial relations between the two nations. The centre through its pride and dignity has always been recognized as a unique platform for all highly reputed corporates, wherein the benefits rewarded are mutual.

John P Varghese, acting president of ISC announced the launch of the second ISC – Koosamma Shedthy Memorial UAE Open Badminton Team League Tournament 2016 presented by Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free. The badminton section of ISC here has a strength of more than 700 members, utilizing the facility on a regular basis. The badminton courts of ISC are of international standard and are publicized as the best in GCC.

On behalf of the president and the managing committee, John P Varghese thanked Dr B R Shetty, vice chairman and patron governor of ISC and the executive vice chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare for having consented to instituting a tournament in memory of his late beloved mother Koosamma Shedthy and requested his continued patronage in the coming years as well. He also thanked Sheryl Fajardo of Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free for supporting the event as title sponsor for the second consecutive year, ISC general governor Hisham P A, managing director Apex Trading, Khaleel of Yonex and all other sponsors for the patronage extended.

Dr B R Shetty thanked ISC for organizing this major event in memory of his late beloved mother and expressed that he is more than happy to associate with them to support the events organized by ISC including this one.

Cher Cruz representing Abu Dhabi Duty Free, the title sponsor said that Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free is indeed privileged to host this tournament as in the previous year and expressed their commitment and willingness to support similar events in ISC. She also appreciated the professionalism extended by ISC in organizing the event flawlessly last year and expressed confidence in continuing to do so this year as well.

The highlight of this privileged tournament is that the team league match is open to all UAE residents. This will be an event wherein majority of top ranked badminton players in UAE from various nationalities will participate to showcase their skills and professionalism. We expect 8 top clubs of UAE to take part in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free's ISC - Koosamma Shedthy Memorial UAE Open Badminton Team League Tournament 2016. John P Varghese revealed that the main objective of this tournament is to inspire the spirit of the game irrespective of nationalities and to bring them together to the India Social and Cultural Centre.

Sports Secretary A M Nizar remarked that the overall participation is expected to reveal a show worthy of excellent skills combined with high endurance levels with the goal to attain the coveted championship under the roof of ISC, Abu Dhabi. He continued that it is a great opportunity for all badminton lovers around UAE to witness this high profile sporting event which will take place from October 20 to 29. The total prize money is estimated at over AED 40,000.

The meeting was chaired by John P Varghese, Cher Cruz representing Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Duty Free, Dr B R Shetty, supporting sponsors Hisham P A and Khaleel, A M Nizar, assistant sports secretary K R Prakash and badminton section secretary Savio Thomas.

Upcoming major sports events are:
ISC, Arab Udupi 5th UAE Open Throw ball Championship - October 28
ISC, UAE Open Body Building Championship – December
ISC- Apex UAE Open Badminton Tournament - first week of January 2017