Football
• Al Wahda to host youth tournament: Zamalek of Egypt, Serbia's Partizan and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia will join local clubs Al Jazira, Baniyas and hosts Al Wahda in the Under 15 Zayed International Cup from tomorrow to March 25. The six teams will feature in a round-robin league and the side with the highest points total will be the winners. "This competition was first staged in 1993 and has been held every year with the objective of providing youngsters an early introduction to playing against foreign teams," said Adel Khamis, a member of Wahda's board of directors and the academy coordinator. In the past, the tournament has drawn academy teams from leading European clubs such as Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Leeds United, and from South America Sao Paolo, Fluminense and Boca Juniors, so on.
“We rotate our invitations every year to clubs and academies all over the world,” said Khamis.
“It not only provides our boys the opportunities of playing against different opponents but it also helps our own networking to establish good relationships with clubs all over the world.
“This time, apart from Partizan, we have more of a Middle East flavour with Zamalek and Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia. The competition is also round-robin so the youngsters get maximum playing opportunities.”
Cricket
• Emirates go head-to-head for title: The best young talent from around the country will be in action in the second staging of the Al Ain Water National Cricket tournament representing four regional councils – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. The inaugural competition last year was for Under 19 level and was won by the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council. An U16 category has been included this year and will be played from March 20-26, followed by the U19s from April 11-16.
“For players to represent their emirate of residency is definitely ‘top of the tree’ for these age groups and is an integral step in player development before possible national selection,” said David East, chief executive of Emirates Cricket Board.
• Irshad on form with 57 for Interface: Bilal Irshad hit 57 from 33 balls and shared an 80-run stand for the second wicket with Rameez Shahzad (45) to set the platform for Interface to emerge winners over RAK Insurance by 93 runs in the Asianet Premier League Twenty20 tournament. Interface amassed 210 for five and RAK Insurance were bowled out for 117 at The Sevens grounds in Dubai. In the other match, Ibsons made 135 for seven and dismissed City Target for 120 to win by 15 runs.
Polo
• Four teams battle it out in Dubai: The St Regis International Cup gets underway with a two-match card at the Al Habtoor Polo and Resort Club in Dubai on Friday. Team UAE meet Bin Drai and Al Habtoor play Wolves in the opening day of the two week-long competition that also includes Zedan and Edrees.
Disability sport
• Competitors have eye on Rio Games: The Fazza IPC Athletics Championship Grand Prix has drawn over 665 athletes from 49 countries vying for a ticket to the 2016 Rio Games. The championship is the last qualifying event for the summer Olympics and will be take place at the Dubai Police Club Stadium from tomorrow to Sunday. "This championship has become a major global event that is sought after by sports professionals from around the world, and this is clearly reflected in the high number of participants," said Thani Juma Berregad, chairman of the organising committee. The competition is for disabled athletes competing in various categories, including those with motor impairment, paralysis, visual and/or intellectual impairments, and amputees.
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