The annual futsal tournament seeks to spotlight the resilience of refugees facing displacement from their homelands, fostering understanding and support.
Chennai, 09 December 2023 – CapitaLand Investment’s wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), organized the sixth edition of its Futsal tournament, the Diplomatic Premier League. The tournament saw Chennai’s diplomatic community coming together for this year’s coveted title. The tournament was organized in association with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency. The trophy unveiling ceremony was attended by Ms Margriet Veenma, Deputy Chief Mission, UNHCR along with other distinguished figures from the diplomatic community.
Speaking at the event, Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, Turkey, India The Ascott Limited said, “In the vibrant tapestry of sports, the Diplomatic Premier League weaves a story of diversity, diplomacy, and unity. As the consulates of nations and honorary consuls join hands with the UNHCR team, this tournament becomes a testament to the transformative power of sports, fostering inclusivity and promoting fitness and harmony. The tournament also presents a unique opportunity for the UN refugees to demonstrate their skills in this competition.”
Commenting on the initiative, Ms Margriet Veenma, Deputy Chief Mission, UNHCR said: “I am honored to witness the sixth edition of Diplomatic Premier League, a powerful convergence of sports and diplomacy orchestrated by The Ascott Limited. This event not only showcases the spirit of competition but also underscores the importance of unity and inclusivity, symbolized by the association with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Through the language of sports, we celebrate diversity, resilience, and the shared commitment towards empowering the refugee community.”
The primary goal of the Diplomatic Premier League (DPL) is to promote physical fitness and foster camaraderie among the diplomatic community based in Chennai. Furthermore, it aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees who are forcibly displaced from their homelands. The event serves as a platform to shed light on the refugee crisis and encourages collaborative efforts to address these issues in the future.
After an exciting competition amongst twelve teams from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia,Singapore, Australia, Germany, Italy, Tamil Nadu Civil Services and UNHCR refugee’s team. This year UNHCR team were declared the champions of Diplomatic Premier League 2023 and Japan team secured the 1st runner-up position followed by Italy as the 2nd runner-up. The event was cohosted by Dr.Yashwanth Honorary Consul El Salvador at Whistle Urban Sports Hub, Nungambakkam.
About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 930 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels, and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott’s industry record of close to 40 years and its sustainability programme,please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (www.capitalandinvest.com)
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 June 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$89 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.