Introduction to iCON Sports
ICON Sports is a sports management and consultancy firm, run and operated by Bhininder Singh Bali. Formed in November 2022, the company’s mission is to support and co-create amateur tournaments within the larger sports ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates. With the government and related entities placing more emphasis on promoting athletics and professional excellence in sports across diverse levels and demographics, now is the perfect time for iCON to establish itself.
Goals of iCON Sports
The company has three main goals: 1. Support and co-create amateur tournaments within the larger sports ecosystem in the UAE. 2. Create a platform for competition where talent can come through at various stages of experience, from amateurs to professional athletes competing for major dollars. 3. Contribute to the sports tourism industry, which is projected to contribute 17% towards the GCC region’s GDP by 2030.
The Team and Expansion Plans
iCON Sports currently has a team of five members and is targeting expansion in the coming months to support its operational and commercial objectives. The aim is to bring together the community and the world through sports and engage, encourage, and ensure that the next generation works towards professional excellence.
The Mind Behind Icon Sports & International Pairs UAE
B.S. Bali, an ex-major in the Indian Army, has sports in his blood. Growing up playing various sports, Bali was always good at traditional sports that required hand-eye coordination. These days, he spends most of his time playing golf and can often be found on a course in cities around the world, depending on his travels, which are usually related to his aviation business.
iCON Sports, the driving force behind International Pairs UAE, is committed to nurturing talent and supporting athletes in their journey from amateur to professional status. With a focus on identifying and developing young athletes, iCON Sports aims to cultivate future global elite players. Through their dedication and passion for the sport, they have created a pathway for athletes to pursue their dreams and excel in the world of golf.
As the first season comes to a close in 2023, International Pairs UAE is thrilled to announce that the National Final winners will be representing the UAE at the prestigious International Pairs World Final in Obidos, Portugal. From the 6th to the 10th of November, the two person team will have the opportunity to compete on a global stage, showcasing their prowess and sportsmanship. The World Final promises to be an unforgettable event, where players from around the world will come together to celebrate the spirit of golf and create lifelong memories.
The Unique Golf Scene in the UAE
Golf in the UAE is unique in its own way. The game was brought to the Middle East desert in the early 70s by oil traders, merchants, and companies from the Western Hemisphere, and it has held its own in the vision of the countries in the GCC. Starting from golf courses built from sand and tar, the UAE now boasts 22 world-class golf courses in a country of just 9 million population, where more than 80% are expatriates. Some of these golf courses feature in multiple prestigious golf course rankings around the world. Yas Links, The Majlis, The Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, to name a few, are some of the most remarkable courses that regularly host championships under the DP World Tour (previously the European Tour).
The Growing Game of Golf in the UAE
With the support of EGF (Emirates Golf Federation), Dubai Sports Council, and General Authority of Sports, the game is not only thriving but fast becoming a commercial opportunity across various segments. Although more could be done to grow the game organically to bring into the fold youngsters, women, and other social and financial classes, the game is in good hands. Predominantly, the regular amateur players, members at various golf courses are still expatriates from Europe, Indian Subcontinent, and Far Eastern nationalities. There are more than 20,000 regular golfers in UAE playing the game at least 1-2 times a month. 9000+ are registered with the EGF. However, there are many unaccounted social and recreational golfers who ply their trade via the more than 50 golf societies that are set up and active in the country.
Future of Golf in the UAE
There have been more than 2000 women who have picked up the game since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The game is set to grow in all areas related to the sport in the coming years. At least 3 more courses are ear-marked as projects in the coming years. Plenty of new apparel, equipment outlets are in the pipeline. Being at the forefront of tech, there’s being a tremendous growth and plans for various famous golf academies supported by the latest technology in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Supporting Partners & Sponsors of International Pairs UAE
With the support from Black Tee by Kehlani, Callaway and Precision Golf, Delta Aviation, International Pairs Golf UAE is sure to be something special starting in February 2023.
Where to Sign Up for International Pairs UAE?
Players in the UAE can sign up via the International Pairs UAE Website: www.uae.internationalpairsgolf.com or contact: uae@internationalpairsgolf.com – +971 581741983.
Follow International Pairs UAE on social media:
FACEBOOK: @InternationalPairsUAE
INSTAGRAM: @InternationalPairsUAE
TWITTER: @IPGOLFUAE
LINKEDIN: International Pairs Golf UAE