Leopards win big at Manipal Sports Festival

The fourth Manipal Sports Festival, held November 22-30 at Manipal University in Dubai, was a huge success for the 14 participating AUS sports teams, of which eight teams won first place, and one team placed second. In first place were the men's and women's track and field; men's basketball, soccer, badminton, table tennis and tennis teams; and the women's volleyball team. The women's basketball team came in second place.

The tournament kicked off on November 22 with the AUS men's and women's track and field teams dominating their opponents to win first place in the university category. Next, the men's soccer team beat Herriot Watt 2-0 in the finals and claimed first place. Following that, the men's badminton, table tennis, tennis and women's volleyball teams cruised their way to first place, respectively.

In basketball, the AUS team faced their rivals, University of Sharjah, and won while the women's basketball fell short in the final against University of Sharjah and placed second.

At the awards ceremony, the AUS teams were celebrated as leaders in the university sports arena and for winning the overall championship.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students, expressed how impressed she was with the overall performance of the AUS sports teams and gave credit to the players as well as the coaches for performing so well even after a hectic month that featured four major tournaments.

"I am very proud of the student athletes and all they have accomplished this semester not only on the court or field, but also off of it, maintaining a successful balance between academics and athletics," said Dr. Al Shehhi.