TCCF to host Fujairah Squash Grand Prix this week
Members of the Fujairah Panthers team pose for a picture. They are training hard for the Fujairah Squash Grand Prix.
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Buoyed by the success of squash league, the Tennis and Country Club Fujairah will open doors for the prestigious 2021 Fujairah Squash Grand Prix this week.
Top players from across the UAE will descend on Tennis and Country Club Fujairah for the two-day event scheduled to be held on July 23-24.
Cementing its spot as one of the top destination of sporting activities in the UAE, the Tennis and Country Club Fujairah has been hosting squash and swimming competitions for the past couple of months.
They hosted the inaugural edition of a squash tournament in March which was followed by hugely successful first ever squash league in May. Teams from Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah competed in the event.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi will grace the opening ceremony of the tournament.
Salah Al Hamad, general manager of the Tennis and Country Club Fujairah, said: “The success of the inaugural event and squash league spurred us to host Fujairah Squash Grand Prix.
“The great level of competition, players’ enthusiasm and unexpected demand from the fans gave big motivation to raise the level of the tournament.
“We are hopeful this will be a positive move for the tournament and the sport. We are also committed to growing the tournament over the next few years and feel that having the event securely positioned in a world class destination such as Fujairah will help us achieve our goals,” he added.
Salah also appreciated the efforts of the management and partners.
Muhammed Jehangir Khan and Yehia El Gabbani pair reigned supreme in the inaugural event.
After the opening event of Fujairah Squash League in May, the league has become a top feature of the Tennis and Country Club Fujairah. Now the league is being held every Wednesday at the squash courts and will finish on the July 28.
“Squash has been emerged as top-notch sport at the club. The sport has the potential to grow significantly over the next few years, with other Emirates also showing interest in participating in our tournaments”, said Abdul Ghafoor Behroozian, Chairman of Tennis and Country Club Fujairah.
Jacques Harmse, tournament director, said: “The Fujairah Squash Grand Prix will definitely play a big role in the future development of squash in the Emirate. Event is a unique opportunity for the best players across the UAE to come together and sharpen their skills whilst clashing for the top honours. The tournament will also exposure to junior players of the club.
Hania Reggi, marketing and sales manager for TCCF, said: “Hosting the Fujairah Squash Grand Prix in Fujairah is an opportunity for us to create further awareness of the prestigious game in this part of the world.
“Staging this event strengthens the Tennis and Country Club Fujairah’s position, as a leading sports destination in the world.
“This will also held us to showcase that Tennis and Country Club Fujairah’s ability to host top sporting events and hospitality, amenities and much more. The venue promises a truly memorable squash and Fujairah experience on the East Coast,” Hania signed off.
Rising star Tia Billimoria, who finished as runner-up at the inaugural squash tournament, said: “I am delighted that the Fujairah Club is hosting another tournament this year. I have fond memories from the last tournament, which was held in March this year.
“This is one of the most professionally organised tournaments that I have played in recently. Super venue, great host team and beautiful facilities. I am looking forward to the challenge and have been training hard to win this time,” Tia added.
The competition will take place in accordance with COVID-19 precautionary measures and protocols for approved sports competitions.
Tournament Liaison Officer, Darron Buchner, said: “The 2021 Fujairah Squash Grand Prix would not be possible without the support of the TCCF management and local club members.”
