The first-ever Dubai Open Table Tennis Academies Championship (DOTTA) concluded at the ISD courts in Dubai Sports City, with UAE’s Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi emerging as a standout talent, clinching the Under-12 title in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, in cooperation with the UAE Table Tennis Federation and operating partner ISD Dubai, the tournament marked a promising addition to the emirate’s grassroots sporting calendar. The event is part of Dubai’s broader initiative to identify and nurture young sporting talent across various disciplines.
The championship, held at the ISD Table Tennis courts, attracted a full house of players, coaches, and supporters and witnessed exceptional performances across two competitive age categories — Under-12 and Under-15.
In the Under-12 final, Emirati prodigy Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi defeated Henroy Day to claim the top spot. Azan Abdullah secured third place after an intense round of matches. Al Kaabi’s victory was seen as a breakthrough moment, underlining the potential of homegrown talent in a sport traditionally dominated by more established countries.
Meanwhile, in the Under-15 division, Abdulrahman Ganiu displayed a composed and strategic game to emerge as champion. Chloe Isabel Silva took second place, followed by Joaquim Ynigo Adriano in third.
Platform for Future Stars
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, Director of the Sports Talent Management Department at the Dubai Sports Council, praised the level of competition and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to developing future champions.
“Competitions like the Dubai Open Table Tennis Championships are essential for nurturing young talent. They align with the Dubai Government’s strategic vision to develop athletes across all sporting disciplines,” Al Mahri said.
He also highlighted the success of similar grassroots tournaments organised by the Council in football, basketball, volleyball, handball, swimming, karate, gymnastics, and tennis.
“Wide participation and high technical levels are clear indicators of success and potential for further expansion,” he added.
Beyond Competition
Diego Neves de Almeida, General Manager of ISD Dubai Sports City, noted that the tournament aimed to be more than just a competitive platform.
“The DOTTA Championship inspired a love for the sport among the children. We witnessed impressive sportsmanship, mutual respect, and passion from players, parents, and coaches alike,” he said.
The championship concluded with a well-attended awards ceremony, where winners in both categories were recognised for their exceptional skill, perseverance, and competitive spirit.
Full List of Winners
Under-12:
🥇 1st – Mayed Nawaf Al Kaabi (UAE)
🥈 2nd – Henroy Day
🥉 3rd – Azan Abdullah
Under-15:
🥇 1st – Abdulrahman Ganiu
🥈 2nd – Chloe Isabel Silva
🥉 3rd – Joaquim Ynigo Adriano
With strong community support and evident talent, the Dubai Open Table Tennis Academies Championship is poised to become a key fixture in the UAE’s youth sports calendar.
