RIYADH — Cool breeze, pleasant ambience, verdant environs of Al-Saedan Private Estates and a colorful and excited gathering of about 400 people ushered in the launch of Youm Al-Watani Cup 2015 season here recently. Players donning their vibrant team colors marched along the grounds led by their captains and managers — owners. Exquisitely crafted glittering trophies became the object of desire for all the teams. Dr. Gayas Ahmed Sattar opened the evening with a recital from the holy Qur'an. He welcomed the gathering and gave a brief on the achievements of G.K. International India Sports Club (GKIISC). Chief guest Salman Bin Saedan, president of Saudi Physical Education and Sports FA Federation, applauded GKIISC's efforts in organizing the event. He encouraged the club and all Indians to continue their healthy efforts. He quoted findings of a study that says involving the society in sports reduces crime rates by 17 percent and saves medical bills to the tune of SR200 million. He reiterated his support and good wishes and urged the induction of more Saudis into the game. Guest of honor Nadeem Nadwi, CEO of Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC), appreciated GKIISC's dedication toward making the event so grand. He briefed the gathering on the contributions made by SCC. Executive member Feroz Khan opened his speech with an Urdu couplet "Main akela he chala tha janib e manzil magar, log saath aatey gaye aur karwan banta gaya". This year, YWC team has joined with SCC, whose CEO flew all the way from Jeddah to endorse his support for the tournament. NRI Forum has also teamed up with the club with its president Akram Mohiuddin committing his body's full support. YWC had started with 12 teams and now comprises 16. It could have been more, but the focus is on quality, not quantity. Similarly, YWC's platform has been evolving in terms of introducing good values and initiatives. GK's initial motive of conducting the tournament was to provide sports entertainment to the expatriate community over the weekends. Then was added the initiative of "promoting health through sports", which is also the motto of YWC. Subsequently, with Saudi Arabian FA's inspiration, this platform initiated introducing the game of cricket to the Saudi community, specially the youth. And this year, this platform is also being used to express their love and loyalty to this beautiful Kingdom, its leadership and people — the underlying theme of the YWC 2015. Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Fraihi of the Department of Passports & Immigration (Jawazat) applauded the efforts of the club and the players for finding a constructive way of spending their free time. He expressed the hope that one day he will see an all-Saudi team win the Youm Al-Watani Cup. A senior player, Mohammed Abdul Ateeq, who has served the game for more than two decades, was honored by GKIISC. Nadwi presented a souvenir to him. Teams playing this year are: Group A: Mazaya's Arab Royals, Oubler's Riyadh Ryders, Mashal's Taif Tigers, Syed's Najd Najams, Mir's Saudi Stallions, Friendi's Jubail Jaguars, Abad's Yanbu Warriors, and Alga's Tabuk Titans, Group B: DBS Najran Najams, Interactive Jeddah Jockeys, GK's Gizan Gladiators, HS Khobar Knights, Sham's Abha Avians, Saudi Digital's Hail Heros, Dream India's Saudi Gems, and AR Sports Dammam Fighters. The message to the teams from Mohammed Kaleem, general secretary of the club, was: "Play fair. Play to win. Play with passion, Play to build healthy team spirit; and Play to build healthy relationships."
