Ajman (Press release): One of UAE’s largest inter-university sports festivals concluded on a high note with grand awards ceremony at the Gulf Medical University’s campus. Popularly known as Gulf Medical University Sports Festival brings together more than 2,000 students from 25 universities across the seven emirates. Now in its 21st edition, the week-long festival scaled new heights with more competitors than ever before.
Universities battled it out to achieve top spots in sports such as football, cricket, throwball (only girls), basketball, volleyball along with indoor games such as chess, badminton and table tennis. Prof Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University, was the chief guest of the closing ceremony, which was held in the presence of members of the academic leadership team of GMU, faculty/staff members and students from various colleges. All participants were awarded certificates of participation.
Professor Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said, “The landmark annual event hosted by us is always much anticipated by the student community not just for goals and winning trophies but for the warm camaraderie among the students at the campus. It takes many hands and lots of effort to organise a sporting extravaganza of this magnitude, but at the Gulf Medical University it becomes easy as the entire faculty, staff and students works in tandem with the passion to make this sports fest successful and glorious year after year.”
Over 2000 students from 25 universities/colleges in the UAE competed in the event which was hosted by Body & Soul Health Club & Spa- the leading network of health clubs operated by the Hospitality Division of Thumbay Group. In football, University of Wollongong won the first place in boys while Herriot Watt University secured the first position in girls. In cricket, De Montfort University won the first place in boys, while the Gulf Medical University stood first in girls. In volleyball, Success Point College won the first place in boys, while the RAK Medical University ranked first in girls. In basketball, University of Sharjah won the first place for both- boys and girls. In throw-ball, Gulf Medical University girls outplayed the rest to secure the first prize. In badminton, BITS Pilani won the first place in boys while America University of Sharjah secured the first position in girls. In table tennis, University of Sharjah won the first place in boys, while the University of Wollongong stood first in girls. In chess, BITS Pilani won the first place in boys, while the University of Sharjah ranked first in girls.
The grand sports event is held each year keeping in view the philosophy of Gulf Medical University “Healthy Body for a Healthy Mind” and to instill the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition among the students. The event has been helpful in engaging the student community in the UAE and empowering them with the spirit of sportsmanship, inter-professional teamwork and wellness.

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Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
