JEDDAH, 1 December 2004 — Veteran spiker Abdu Yami announced his retirement from professional volleyball recently. Yami, an all-time great, was associated with Ahli for the last 29 years. He announced his retirement at a very simple ceremony.
Addressing the audience at a function held in his honor by Al-Ahli Club, an emotional Yami said: “After 29 years as a professional with the same club, I know the feeling of sadness that surrounds a retirement but I feel anything but sad.”
“I feel happy that I’ve had such a long run and am more at peace with my sport and my performance than at any other point in my career,” he said. “I witnessed many generations of players during my years with the club, and I wish every success for them.”
Yami had also played for the Saudi Arabia’s national team, and during his years with the team he won many trophies and awards.
Former Ahli player and president, Dr. Abdul Razzak Abu Dawood, was quoted by Arriyadiyah, the sister publication of Arab News, as saying: “Abdu Yami is a name that will never be forgotten. He was a very good player both for Ahli and the national team.”
Abu Dawood was all praise for Yami while commending his years in the sport.
“Yami’s success has been based more on his power and commitment than elegance. He was one of the gems of the club. He also displayed lots of talent and leadership qualities. He led the team in many local and international matches. He witnessed the rise of many Ahli stars. He will be missed and it will be very difficult to fill the vacuum left by his retirement.”
