One-day badminton festival in Jeddah

JEDDAH — The organizers of “Smash That 2015” are gearing up for a one-day badminton festival at the Olympia Sports Complex, Suliman Fakeeh Hospital, here on Nov. 20. The badminton friends of Jeddah, who are behind this novel endeavor, have dubbed this tournament as “Smash That 2015”. Star players from the Indian, Filipino, Pakistani and Sri Lankan communities will be seen in action as the bidding for the four franchisees — Smashers, Slicers, Tossers and Flickers — have been completed at a local hotel here. Smash That 2015 committee president Ravikrishnan welcomed the players and fans to the bidding event and tournament convenor Vinuraj proposed a vote of thanks. The program was attended by Tournament Chairman Rico Gonzales, Smash Arabia Badminton Club Chairman Bob Fernandez and other executive members. The organizing committee made the bidding event a thrilling affair with major improvisations to the usual badminton tournaments held in the Kingdom. Since the tournament follows the format of a team event with 4 teams comprising 15 players each the bidding process, which went smoothly, became very lively. Players from all playing categories took part in the bidding making it an exciting event throughout. The four 15-member teams will compete against each other on a round robin league format and the top two teams will play the final for the trophy. The tournament is first of its kind organized by the Indian community here and the organizers thanked sponsors Jotun Paints, OTS Cargo Movers, Process Automation, Logitec, Fine Tissue, United Flowers, Vijay Masala and Seasons Restaurant who supported the bidding ceremony with their valuable presence. — SG