DUBAI, – Two legends from opposite sides of the globe decorate the line-up at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub in the next week, as Argentinian football superstar Diego Maradona is honoured and visitors are given the chance to bowl an over or two with Pakistani cricket wizard Wasim Akram.
 
On 25 November, the Argentina Pavilion will mark the first anniversary of Maradona’s death by organising a football tournament for young players. Born in Lanús, Argentina, in 1960, Maradona is universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time. He captained his country to World Cup triumph in 1986 and, after hanging up his boots, called the UAE home during a colourful management career.
 
The Maradona Day Tournament, organised in association with the Football Technology Institute and the Argentine Football Association, will start from 1500 GST. The former Dubai Sports Council Ambassador will be remembered with a balloon release, video and a one-minute silence, followed by a series of friendly matches between the FTI and AFA academies.
 
On 26 November, king of swing bowling Wasim Akram will host a cricket tips and tricks session, presented by Mastercard – Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai. Fans will also be encouraged to take part in a cricket trivia quiz and the chance of winning a “Priceless Surprise”.
 
The sporting smorgasbord continues on 28 November with the kick-off of a 5-a-side men’s football “World Cup”, which will see a total of 32 teams representing Expo’s International Participants from around the world, running until 10 January. That will be followed by a women’s tournament from 16 January to 18 February.