National Guard launches title defence in style with win over Ministry of Defence

• Fierce Competition in Tug-of-War at the 13th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament
• Al Tadawi continues to shine with emphatic win to lead its group in volleyball competition

DUBAI: The National Guard team launched a perfect defence of its title in the tug-of-war with a victory over the Ministry of Defence team at the 13th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament being held at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.

Touted as the premier sporting event during the holy month of Ramadan, the tournament is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, and under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, under the slogan "Unlimited Capabilities".

Formerly a two-time champion in this competition, the National Guard teamsecured an easy 2-0 win over the Ministry of Defence team, while the Air Force team were equally dominant with an identical 2-0 win against the Dubai Civil Defence team in the Government Institutions category.

In the Community category, AG Mustafa 1 defeated Transguard 2-0 and Al Jawarih defeated W World Gym by the same scoreline in Group A action. In Group B, IFBB Sports Academy defeated Raptor Gym 2-0, while Al Mahdawi & Al Harbi beat Al Muqatiloon 2-0.

Group C also witnessed some intense action wherein Wasl defeated Al Ajban 2-0 and Avalar got the better of Dutco Construction Group 2-0. In Group D, Level Up got past Global 2-0, while Olympia had to really dig in deep for a 2-1 win over the Mangalore Warriors.

In the Junior category, Sharjah Amiri Guard Sports Club defeated Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club 2-0, and Sharjah Police Science Academy secured a smooth 2-0 result against A25 Gym

Traditionally popular among the audiences, the tug-of-war championship attracted a large number of enthusiasts to cheer the participating teams.

Al Tadawi continue winning form

Defending champions Al Tadawi continued their winning streak in the volleyball competition after securing their second successive victory.

Putting up yet another fine display, Al Tadawi eased their way past Tiger Zabeel in straight sets while winning 25-21, 25-19 and 25-20. Al Tadawi will next face M.I.N. Investment on Tuesday to determine who advances to the semi-finals.

In the second match of the evening, M.I.N. Investment defeated Zabeel 3-2 in a hard-fought and marathon five-set match

Zabeel won the first set 25-22, but M.I.N. Investment rallied to take the second set 25-22. Zabeel fought back in the third set winning it 25-23 to go clear, only to see M.I.N. Investment tying the scores winning the fourth set 25-23.

In the fifth and deciding set, M.I.N. Investment kept their composure to ensure sealed the win for Zabeel, winning the set and the match 22-20.

The win ensured Al Tadawi leadership of Group B with six points, having won both matches without losing a set. On the other hand, M.I.N. Investment follows in second place with five points after winning two matches but dropping two sets.