DUBAI: Newly opened UAE squash academy The Flying Daf has partnered with Dubai Sports Council to launch its inaugural ladies-only tournament.

The event, set to take place between June 16 and 22 at Dubai Ladies Club, Jumeirah, will be added to the council’s Woman Active Summer campaign.

The aim of the partnership is to attract more than 30 female squash players and provide them with the opportunity to display their skills and develop their game.

Academy founder, Kanzy El-Dafrawy, said: “Since the academy’s launch only a few weeks ago, the response has been phenomenal. We are grateful to have the support of Dubai Sports Council and this partnership will really help us grow the game from the grassroots up, putting squash at the forefront of everyone’s sporting choice.

“There is still a huge gap in women’s sport in the UAE and this tournament is to show how inclusive squash is and the increasing opportunities available.”

Egypt-born EI-Dafrawy, who earned the nickname The Flying Daf for her all-action style on court, is one of the Arab world’s most established and recognizable squash players, boasting 220 professional accolades during a 15-year career that culminated in a world-ranking high of 22.

Open to all female players over the age of 15, the tournament starts on June 16, with the finals taking place on June 22, and El-Dafrawy will take to the court in a one-off exhibition match on June 18.

In a statement, Dubai Sports Council said: “Partnering with The Flying Daf squash academy aligns with our vision to encourage and increase the overall number of Dubai residents participating in the Women Active Summer campaign.

“With the popularity of racket sports expanding across the region, there has never been a better time to show our support. We are committed to helping The Flying Daf squash academy achieve its mission to champion squash at a grassroots level and ensure it becomes a major player in the city’s sporting community.”

Match timings will range from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at weekends and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. Female coaches will be onsite offering tips and each match will be umpired by fully qualified referees. Registration for the tournament closes on June 14.