500 players sign up for Qatargas Open

By Sports Reporter/DohaThe Qatargas Open Badminton Championship 2015, organised by Qatar Badminton Association with Qatargas as the title sponsor, will begin today at the Qatar Table Tennis Association Center. The tournament will end on January 28.As many as 500 players are expected to compete in the tournament in more than 25 events, held for various age-groups for both male and female players.  The tournament brings together a large number of badminton players in Qatar right from school children under the age of 11 up to veterans. Qatargas’ support to the game comes as part of the company’s strategy in helping the development of a group of sports activities that are fast gaining popularity in Qatar. This strategy mainly aims at attracting youngsters to engage in a diverse range of sporting activities and supporting their development, thereby contributing to achieving the human development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Expressing his appreciation for Qatargas’ support to the tournament, Talal al-Mawlawi, Board Member of the Qatar Badminton Association, said: “We thank Qatargas for its commendable support to this championship which, we expect, will help propel Qatar into the world map of yet another increasingly popular sporting event. This initiative from Qatargas clearly demonstrates its commitment to the local community and helps promote the “Sport for Life” values we have adopted at Qatar Olympic Committee with the aim of providing opportunities for all in the community to participate in sports and sports-related activities. These kinds of tournament will encourage the Junior National players to test their skills and gain competition experience.”He added: “The tournament brings together almost all badminton players of different nationalities in Qatar under one roof. This is the biggest badminton tournament in Qatar with a total of 25 events under various categories and is open to all resident permit holders in Qatar. We are also planning to hold several such tournaments in the coming years with a long term goal of hosting international tournaments, in line with the State of Qatar’s strategy to be a prominent player on the World sports map.”The juniors will play in 20 categories – Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.  The seniors will play in eight categories –  Men singles, Men doubles level A and B, Women Singles and Doubles, Mix Doubles, Masters’ Doubles and Veterans’ Doubles.  All the matches will be conducted on a knock-out basis. The matches will be held between 2pm to 10pm on Friday & Saturday and between 4pm to 10pm on other days. The finals will be held on 28th January.Apart from laying 5 international level courts for this event, elaborate arrangements are being made to host the participating children, their parents and the spectators. Winners and runners up will receive trophies and prizes.