DUBAI // There are about 2,000 squash courts around the country and the sport is hugely popular at a social level, both among Emiratis and expatriates, but the UAE does not have a national team yet.
Mohammed Abdullah Ali, the general secretary of the UAE Squash Racquets Association and a former national champion, is hoping to change that.
“Our plan is to take the sport to the schools and introduce it to the local children,” said Ali as he announced the UAE SRA’s schedule of tournaments for next season at a press conference in Al Nasr Leisureland on Tuesday night. “This is our target.
“Today, our children are playing football, tennis, rugby and many different sports. I want to put them on the squash courts as well.
“Squash is a very attractive sport and ideal for people who are looking for a complete physical workout. That is what attracted me to this sport and I am sure we have plenty of people who will find it attractive as well.”
The squash season will start with a tournament for seniors from September 27 at the Indian Social & Cultural Club in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Junior Squash Cup will run from October 24-26 at Al Nasr Leisureland and the Junior Squash League will then run from December to February, with matches at different clubs around the country.
The junior circuit in the country has about 150 active players, while there are about 100 players who compete regularly at the senior level.
There is a tournament for ladies as well and about 100 Emirati ladies play squash around the country. Recently, there was a tournament organised for ladies who wear the hijab and it attracted 60 participants.
“This shows that we have players in the country,” Ali said.
“We just need to find them, but it will take time. It’s a challenge.”
arizvi@thenational.ae
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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