logo
Badminton: Taabia, Mysha to represent UAE at World Championships

Badminton: Taabia, Mysha to represent UAE at World Championships

Khaleej Timesa day ago

In a groundbreaking moment for UAE badminton, Taabia Omar and Mysha Omar will represent the UAE at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris, marking the nation's historic debut at the sport's most prestigious annual event.
The championship will take place at the iconic Adidas Arena from August 25 to 31.
This milestone not only places the UAE on the global badminton map but also fuels the dreams of aspiring players across the Emirates, underscoring the sport's growing prominence in the region.
Taabia Omar, aged 19, is already a name to reckon with, having become the World no. 1 in women's doubles and ranked 2nd in mixed doubles on the BWF World Junior Ranking.
Mysha Omar, her younger sister who turns 17 later this year, was formerly ranked World no. 10 in women's singles and women's doubles (with Taabia). She claimed international acclaim in 2024 by winning the girls' singles title at the All-England Junior Championships, a breakthrough achievement following her earlier doubles victories.
'This is a proud moment for the UAE Badminton community. It is a clear signal to our youth that excellence is possible with hard work and support. We wish Taabia and Mysha the very best as they carry the UAE flag on the world stage,' said Noura Hassan Al Jasmi, President of UAE Badminton Federation.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Money & Me: ‘Seeing our business break even has been a milestone'
Money & Me: ‘Seeing our business break even has been a milestone'

The National

time6 hours ago

  • The National

Money & Me: ‘Seeing our business break even has been a milestone'

Sisters Chandini and Chanchal Guria came together to work on their passion for health and bootstrapped their business, Ekaya Wellness Studio, in Dubai last year. The yoga and Pilates instructors previously had separate careers, with Chandini, 34, employed as a journalist, while Chanchal, 30, was working in property management. The Indian siblings arrived in the UAE from Hong Kong in 1998, after their father moved to the country for work. Chanchal completed her bachelor's degree in finance accounting and management at the University of Nottingham, in the UK. Chandini went to the London College of Fashion, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in fashion design and development. But writing was her passion, so she joined Dubai Week as a journalist and also worked with insydo Dubai. After spending five to six years in the industry, she felt burnt out and decided to become an entrepreneur. The sisters started selling yoga mats and launched Meow Yoga, an e-commerce brand, as a side business. They currently live with their parents and brother in The Meadows, Dubai. Did wealth feature in your childhood? What did you learn from it? Chanchal: Wealth was a bit up and down. The reason we shifted from Hong Kong to Dubai was because my dad went out of business there, and he got a job here. Dubai wasn't so expensive back then, so we were on a saving curve. From a young age, our mother would tell us not to buy stuff – that put it in our heads that money is quite important and we're short on it. During the global financial crisis, our money was stuck in property. We saw some bad times. We had to move out of our house into a small apartment. And then, we rebounded. It taught us to know our limits, save when possible, but also enjoy it when you have the money. Don't spend on things you don't need. But there's nothing wrong indulging yourself once in a while. Chandini: Although we went through ups and downs, our father always tried to make sure all our needs were met, and it taught me the importance of hard work and a support system. What did your first job pay? Chandini: As a junior writer with Dubai Week, I earned Dh6,000 ($1,633) a month in 2015. Chanchal: In 2016, I interviewed with Nakheel and was hired as a property management co-ordinator on a starting salary of Dh9,500, and I worked there for nearly five years. Any early financial jolts? Chandini: When I quit my job, I didn't realise that living on your own savings and starting a business is expensive, so I ran out of money really quickly. How do you grow your wealth? Chandini: I'm still at a point where I need to save money before I focus on growing my wealth. My future plan is long-term investments, such as in properties and companies that I believe in. Chanchal: I don't have a lot of investments either. I have savings accounts. Investing in our wellness business was the first step in growing our wealth. We hope to see our income grow after a year and a half and then open up the next centre. Are you a spender or a saver? Chandini: Even though I'm a spender, I have no regrets because most of the things I pay for are about my well-being, such as massages, workouts and wellness activities. Chanchal: I'm the complete opposite. I love to save money, but I do feel like spending on yourself and for the right thing – it is important to splurge a little sometimes to have a good time. You have to enjoy what you earn. It's OK to go out and have nice dinners once in a while, but not to do it every single day. Have you been wise with money? Chandini: I'm pretty wise with money. It sounds a bit contradictory to my statement that I'm a huge spender, but I do it for the right reasons, and I have no regrets about what I spend on. So even though my savings aren't huge, I think I am wise with money. Chanchal: I like to always keep track of what I'm spending on in an Excel sheet, as I studied accounting and I'm obsessed with numbers. What has been your best investment? Chandini: It's nice having a business where you are supporting staff and the community. But my best investment is my Kindle. I can't even describe how much joy it brings. Chanchal: Definitely, our business Ekaya, considering the time and effort we put into it. It pays back in different ways. And we've already hit break even. Any cherished purchases? Chanchal: I just bought myself a new car, so I'm obsessed with that. It's the Range Rover Velar. Any financial advice for your younger self? Chandini: I grew up as a shy, quiet kid who never really stood up for herself. I would tell my younger self to not be scared to ask for what you deserve, whether it's a raise or a promotion. What luxuries are important to you? Chandini: The most important luxury to me is spending quality time with my family and friends. Chanchal: One of the biggest luxuries is finding time for yourself. I have started to find time to do things that make me happy, such as getting a massage once a week and scheduling time to play badminton. What are your financial goals? Chandini: My goal has always been to become financially independent. I want to be able to support and care for my family alone. Chanchal: My financial goal is to be independent. I would also like to see our business grow as much as possible. In one and a half years, I hope we're able to open a second location. Any key financial milestones?

Epsom Derby drama awaits as Godolphin double up for racing's greatest test
Epsom Derby drama awaits as Godolphin double up for racing's greatest test

Khaleej Times

time11 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Epsom Derby drama awaits as Godolphin double up for racing's greatest test

It's the race that defines legends, breaks hearts, and crowns the bravest. On Saturday, the two-century-old Epsom Derby returns to its feared Surrey home promising to deliver another epic clash of class, courage and stamina. This year's renewal is one of the most open in recent memory with a full field of 19 runners, the largest since 2003, set to face the starter at 6.30 pm (UAE time - live on Dubai Racing Channel). Among a field of emerging talents still finding their feet, the unmistakable royal blue silks of Godolphin stand out as a powerful presence. For Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Derby has always been more than just a race - it's an obsession. A cornerstone of his lifelong pursuit to dominate global flat racing, this is the crown jewel that he has won three times since 1995 with Lammtarra, Masar (2018) and Adayar (2021). The Dubai powerhouse arrives with two live bullets in the chamber- Ruling Court and Tornado Alert - both primed to bring home the trophy again. The Class Act The headline act is undoubtedly the Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court, who stormed to victory in the 2,000 Guineas last month with the authority of a horse destined for greatness. A son of American Triple Crown champion Justify, the sire of last year's Derby hero City Of Troy, Ruling Court combines American toughness with deep European classic credentials. Trainer Charlie Appleby, no stranger to Derby glory himself having trained both Masar (2018) and Adayar, has sounded a note of quiet confidence. 'You don't really know until you run the mile and a half at Epsom,' he admitted, 'but Ruling Court ticks a lot of boxes. He's got the class, the balance, and mentally he's as sound as they come.' After a winter campaign in Dubai and that brilliant Guineas win at Newmarket, he'll bid to join a select group of just 19 colts to have completed the fabled Guineas–Derby double - a feat that demands both speed and staying power, a rare blend even among elite three-year-olds. The Sleeper: Tornado Alert If Ruling Court brings the firepower, Tornado Alert brings the intrigue. Trained by Godolphin veteran Saeed bin Suroor - who last won the Derby three decades ago with Lammtarra, this homebred by Too Darn Hot has been quietly improving with every start. He shaped well behind Ruling Court in the Guineas and is expected to thrive over the longer distance, particularly given his pedigree and relaxed racing style. With two-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy taking the reins, hopes are high that Tornado Alert might just spring a surprise. "He's a horse with a lovely temperament and should handle Epsom's unique demands,' said bin Suroor. 'The track tests everything—a horse's mind, movement and stamina—but this one gives me a good feeling.' Rivals to Watch Standing between Godolphin and Derby glory is, inevitably, Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle maestro returns with three strong contenders, led by Delacroix, a 9/4 favourite chasing O'Brien's record-extending 11th Derby win. Though yet to contest a Group 1, Delacroix's pair of Group 3 wins this season, especially over Chester Vase winner Lambourn, have pushed him to favouritism. The Lion In Winter and Lambourn offer depth to the O'Brien challenge, but many eyes will be on Pride Of Arras, the unbeaten winner of the Group1 Dante Stakes - the most reliable of Derby trials. Representing Ralph Beckett and partnered by Rossa Ryan, he has the profile of a serious stayer and is bred for Epsom's rigours, with two of his three siblings having already won here. A Race That Demands Everything Unlike the wide, galloping expanses of Ascot, Newmarket or the Curragh, Epsom Downs is a beast all its own. The camber, the bends, the raucous Derby-day atmosphere all add layers to the challenge that statistics can't capture. The Derby course is a true examination of balance, bravery, and athleticism for horse and rider. The mile-and-a-half contest starts high on the Epsom hill, with the horses breaking away into a sweeping left-hand descent that tests their coordination from the very first stride. The infamous Tattenham Corner, a sharp bend taken at galloping speed, leads directly into the long, undulating home straight - a place where races are both won and lost. It's not just about staying 12 furlongs, it's about surviving the gauntlet of obstacles. One mistake, one misstep, and the dream can evaporate. That's what makes this Epsom Derby so special, unpredictable and thrilling.

Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall

Khaleej Times

time11 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall

Are you a fan of Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League side Manchester City and want to get your hands on some cool club merchandise, but live in Dubai? Fret not. The 10-time Premier League champions have opened a new store at the Dubai Mall. It marks the second retail store of the 2022-23 Champions League winners after Yas Mall in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The outlet at Dubai Mall also joins flagship stores Manchester City Stadium Store and Arndale City store in the city of Manchester, England, as well as pop-ups in New York City and Seoul. Fans of the club, kitted by German manufacturer Puma, will have access to merchandise as well as some memorabilia collections. The store at Dubai Mall introduces an updated version of the brand's award-winning 'Field of Play' concept, designed to reflect stadium and fan culture. The Dubai location features elements such as locker-style zones and visuals from iconic Manchester City matches. City, who won four successive Premier League titles in 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24, didn't quite have the season according to the high benchmarks that they set. Nonetheless, The Sky Blues, managed by former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician Pep Guardiola, finished third in the League behind perennial rivals champions Liverpool and Arsenal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store