Eighth KEF Tennis Challenge Displays Talents of Emerging Tennis Stars

Event Draws Participation of 70 Players from Middle East, UK, US, Germany, India, Mexico, among Others
Winners and Runners Up Receive Cash Prizes of US$10,000

Sharjah-UAE: 6 March, 2016 – The Eighth Annual KEF Tennis Challenge hosted by KEF Holdings, a UAE-based multinational diversified group that specializes in innovative offsite construction technology, concluded on Saturday, 5 March, with some action packed finals that saw Amit Batta and Vishesh Bhatia emerging as champions in the Group A category, and Ahmed Zachariah Faizal and Saad Yenepoya clinching the honors in the Group B category.

In Group A, Amit Batta and Vishesh Bhatia won 6-2, 6-1, defeating worthy opponents, Ganesh and Syed Zohair Raza in an exciting game that kept the players continually on their toes. The Group B finals saw Ahmed Zachariah Faizal and Saad Yenepoya beat Thomas Jacob and, Aaram Kurian, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 with the four players battling it out to the finish.

This year’s tournament welcomed 70 players from the Middle East, US, UK, Germany, India, Mexico and more. The event was launched in 2009 by Faizal E. Kottikollon, Chairman and Founder of KEF Holdings and Shabana Faizal, Vice-Chairperson of KEF Holdings, who felt the need for a tournament that celebrated tennis as a sport at a grassroots level and encouraged players of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their love for the game.

Speaking at the finale, Shabana Faizal, Vice-Chairperson of KEF Holdings and Director of the KEF Tennis Challenge, said: “We are pleased to conclude yet another successful edition of the KEF Tennis Challenge, which celebrates sporting talent and invites talented players from around the world to display their tennis best. The sheer enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by our players both on and off the court year after year, tells us that this initiative that we have been running for the past 8 years is indeed something that people look forward to.”

“It is especially heartening to see players from countries including Kazakhstan and Pakistan or India and Mexico using this tournament as a platform to compete and interact with each other. For us, the tournament has always been a way to engage with regional and international seasoned and amateur players and understand what is important to them and what excites them.”

Vishesh Bhatia, one of the winners of tournament, said: “I have played in the tournament for several years now and have become more and more confident in my game. It is great to have a win under my belt but more than anything this weekend was a fantastic opportunity to meet other passionate players. I am really grateful to Mr.Faizal and Mrs. Shabana for this opportunity.”

Following the final matches, which took place at the KEF villa in Sharjah, winners and runners up were awarded with trophies and cash awards totaling US$10,000. The guest of honour was Phil Wickham, CEO – Kaufmann Fellows, who also participated in the tournament, having traveled from Palo Alto, USA to be a part of the tournament.

Faizal E. Kottikollon added: “Eight years down the line, I still look forward to the challenge with the same level of excitement. It is great fun to watch players of all ages and backgrounds bond over their common love for this sport.

“I have a great interest in sports and have always loved to play tennis. I truly believe that physical fitness and sports are crucial to leading a healthy, balanced life and it is great to be able to share that with the players.”