Veteran player Mohammed Shamal (39 years old) confirmed that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has revived the popularity of volleyball in the UAE, thanks to the extensive media coverage and the attraction of the best players and clubs in the world. He noted that he once felt the game's popularity was declining due to media neglect.

However, with the launch of the volleyball tournament as part of the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, bringing in top players and clubs worldwide, and the remarkable success it achieved, the game regained its status as one of the most important team sports in the country. He explained that he is one of the local players who have greatly benefited from participating in the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament for over 10 years.

Shamal said: "We thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, for this tournament, which has become a global event that every player wishes to participate in. For me, interacting with international teams is a significant gain. Certainly, playing against this elite group of players will contribute to the development of the game in the UAE."

Over the past years, the tournament has played an important role in attracting many stars to play in the UAE league. It has been a main gateway for their transition to our clubs after experiencing this wonderful atmosphere. It has also helped scouts follow the best players in the world and sign them.

He added: "I have participated in the tournament many times and still strive to participate because I understand its importance in developing players. It provides a great service to us players, the federation, and the clubs. It is a valuable opportunity for everyone. When you find yourself facing the best players in the world, such challenges build the player and the team's character. Therefore, our gain is participation, and then the result comes."

Acknowledgment

Regarding his previous statement to "Al Bayan" that the Nad Al Sheba Tournament gave him fame he did not achieve in his 20-year sports career, Shamal said: "Yes, I owe a debt of gratitude to the tournament because it gave me fame and presented me better to the sports audience, thanks to the extensive media coverage through all means and social media platforms. When you come here and experience this atmosphere and see the fans, you feel exceptional enjoyment.

When I finish my participation in the match, I am surprised that all the people I know watched the match and are aware of the participating teams. Every year, many people I meet on the street ask me if I will participate in the Nad Al Sheba Tournament or not. This reflects the great impact the tournament has achieved."

Shamal explained that the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament has revived the spirit of volleyball to the extent that it has become one of the most popular games currently in Ramadan sports tournaments.

He also pointed out that the volleyball tournament in the Nad Al Sheba Tournament started with amateurs and has become one of the best tournaments in the world. He added in this context:

"The tournament continues to attract international teams and players, but we miss the atmosphere of the early years of the tournament, which included the participation of amateur players. I hope they return or even have a separate tournament for them, with some club players integrated with them, to maximize the benefits."

Shamal praised the significant role played by the Nad Al Sheba Tournament in increasing the popularity of volleyball and attracting young players to practice it, thus contributing to the creation of a new generation of players.