RIYADH — Youm Al-Watani Cup 2014 kicked off with a colorful opening ceremony here recently. Taking the championship to the next level was Salman Bin Saedan, president of Saudi Physical Education & Sports Federation for All. Saedan, who was the chief guest at the opening ceremony, appreciated International India Sports Club's (IISC) efforts in organizing such an exciting event. He also admired the club's motto “Health Through Sports,” which he said was so closely aligned to the ideals of the body he heads. While commending IISC's objectives, he offered the club his organization's all out help. He also met the team captains and managers. Speaking on the occasion Saedan called on the players to bring the sport of cricket to the grassroots level and help develop Saudi players. The other guests present on the occasion were: Khaled Al-Dous, Deputy General Manager of Riyadiah Channel; Khaled Al-Alaiwi, Program Director of Saudi Radio and Channel 2; and Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen, Board Member of Saudi Physical Education & Sports Federation for All. Senior player Jaleel took oath on behalf of the players. In all 16 teams are taking part in the Youm Al-Watani Cup 2014. They have been divided into two groups - A and B. Group A comprises: 1. Mumtaz's Riyadh Ryders, 2. DMT Tabuk Titans, 3. Dynamic Hail Heroes, 4. Delta's Taid Tigers, 5. KDD Gizan Gladiators, 6. Alwan's Arab Royals, 7. Mashal's Abha Avians, 8. Mash's Khobar Knights.
Group B consists of: 1. Abad's Jubail Jaguars, 2. Mir's Saudi Stallions, 3. Infrability Saudi Gems, 4. H.S. Dammam Fighters, 5. Mazhaya Yanbu Warrior, 6. Roiya's Jeddah Jockeys, 7. Syed's Najd Najams, 8. Wallan's Najran Jewels. Children holding team flags and banners led the players, clad in their designer team outfits, at the march-past. This tournament is an annual event played as part of Youm Al-Watani celebration and a tribute to this wonderful Kingdom from its expatriate community. Pigeons were also released to declare the tournament open. Earlier, Dr. Gayas Ahmed, President of GK's IISC, welcomed the chief guest. “Your presence encourages us to work harder towards making Youm Al-Watani Cup 2014 Cricket Tournament more entertaining,” he said. The club's president also thanked other dignitaries present on the occasion and invited them to take some time out from their busy schedules to witness games as it will encourage the players and their teams. Welcoming the players, Dr. Gayas said physical exercise is the best medicine for a healthy body. Feroz Khan, Executive Member of GK IISC and adviser on strategy, protocol and communications, also spoke on the occasion. He reminded the teams and their franchise owners of IISC's promise made last year that it will be “bigger and better” on return. That, he said, the club has managed to do with a 25 percent increase in the number of teams. Last year, he said, there were 12 teams, while 16 teams are in the fray this year. He urged the players to play fairly, have fun, give their best and play to win. Mohammed Kaleem, general secretary of IISC, and Asim, treasurer, received the guests. Omar, the master of the ceremony, conducted the event in his usual flair, adding to the evening's ambience and aura. — SG
