32 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com June 17-21 | Tournament | Khalifa Sports City June 8-10 | Shopping exhibition | West Riffa Sports Club Top badminton players compete for prizes in an international badminton series tournament that is once again hosted by Bahrain. Among the country’s once hidden sporting talents, badminton is a game that is rapidly growing and marketing itself widely. The group associated with the development and promotion of this sport on the island and in the West Asian region is the Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation (BBSF). “The BBSF is embarking on a new path with grand plans in place to take the sport to a higher level and the federation is quite excited about future prospects,” says Ashley George, organiser with the BBSF. Following the Bahrain International Series (BIS) tournament initiative seven years Looking for a different shopping experience besides the mall? An unusual and interesting destination is Riffa’s upcoming shopping spree, with goodies to be displayed by local entrepreneurs. The third Riffa shopping spree promises to be a resounding success, with its focus on a Ramadan theme. Items from 27 exhibitors will be displayed at the West Riffa Sports Club where the event is has been previously held. “The idea is to not just make this a commercial affair selling Bahraini produce. It is to advocate a social purpose,” says the organiser, Shaikha Mariam Hamad Al Khalifa. “There are no shopping sprees in Riffa. So this event is a way to introduce a fresh perspective to the area while bringing to the fore our best productive home businesses or, in other words, the productive families.” This event promises to have some of the best local displays, selling traditional wares such as clothing, food and silverware and other locally made creations. With Ramadan on its way, the fair is a great way to find what you need to prepare for the Holy Month. Entrance to the fair is free for all. Call 33 858-843 or follow @m_events_ bh on Instagram. ago, the BBSF reunites top players yet again to compete in the tournament at the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Sanctioned by the Badminton Asia Confederation and Badminton World Federation, the BIS 2014 has become a world ranking event. Around 150 players from 15 countries are scheming to win prize money of USD5,000 and prestigious world ranking points. The tournament will be conducted in five categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. “The tournament’s popularity is reflected in the fact that it has been highly appreciated by the players and the spectators for the quality of the matches and the organisational capability,” Ashley adds. Over the years, the federation has managed to attract several ranking players locally and from across the Asian region. Among them are champions such as Sho Sasaki of Japan, Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia, and Gurusaidutt, Sai Praneeth, Sourabh Verma and Sameer Verma of India. BBSF is one of the few national badminton associations in Asia to have conducted three internationals last year; these were the BIS followed by the Bahrain International Challenge and the Bahrain Junior International Series. Badminton Asia has appointed Gyaneswor Singh of India as the tournament’s referee and Ashley as the deputy referee. The event’s organising committee is led by Hisham Alabbasi, BBSF secretary general and Jaffer Ebrahim, BBSF development manager. The event is under the patronage of Shaikh Hussam Bin Essa Al Khalifa, BBSF president. Call 36 500-103. happenings Shuttling New Heights Riffa’s Shopping Jewel
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