Four finals remain before the Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) Ramadan tournament comes to a close Wednesday.
And for those who turn up for the free admission finals, will not only witness entertaining matches, but also have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes.
AFOC, now in its 18th edition, is one of the biggest Ramadan competitions in the UAE. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the tournament has grown popular year-by-year.
When the tournament concludes, approximately 3,000 competitors from 45 countries around the world will have taken part in this year’s edition.
Having opened on Wednesday July 2, the competition is well under way with plenty of spectators making their way to AFOC in Abu Dhabi. Judo, ironman, taekwondo, boxing and chess have already been completed, which received a huge turnout of competitors and spectators.
For instance, more than 150 judokas from around the world including Brazil, Armenia and Russia, took part in the jiu-jitsu category that concluded on Sunday, which saw a big attendance.
Dr Musbah Al Ketbi, general co-ordinator at AFOC, said: “The attendances since the tournament began has been exceptional. All the sports so far have been of the highest quality.
“The participation has been key and we have been fortunate to have a huge number of entries across all sports, which adds more value to how big this Ramadan tournament is.
“The judo competition has been by far the most successful event in terms of competitors and spectators which isn’t a surprised considering that the sport is so huge in Abu Dhabi.”
The finals begin approximately 22:00 and depending on the schedule, ends by 01:00 the latest. Today’s schedule includes the finals of bowling, shooting and playstation. And the final event of the tournament is football tomorrow evening.
Al Ketbi says it’s a perfect opportunity to bring your family and friends. “We’ve had people of different ages attend the finals which is great to see,” he said.
“Some have come to support their friends or family members who were participating or some came because they had an interest in the sport. It’s a very friendly environment and the general atmosphere has been great.
“There have been some exciting matches so far and that will continue in the finals.”
Besides the sports, there are some fantastic prizes to win.
Al Ketbi said: “Each day we will have a prize draw where some lucky people could win valuable prizes which are donated by our sponsors.
“It’s an extra element of making the tournament more exciting as it’s regarded very highly in the UAE.”
What: Armed Forces Officers Club Ramadan tournament
Where: Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi
When: Today and tomorrow approximately 22:00
Contact: www.afocs.com
