JEDDAH, 4 April 2005 — Tough competition is expected as the First Islamic Solidarity Games get under way at different locations in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
A total of 5,000 athletes from 55 Muslim countries can be seen in action when the 11-day games open at a spectacular inaugural ceremony in Makkah on Friday.
Abdul Khaliq Khan, acting secretary-general of Pakistan Olympic Association and member of the organizing committee of the games, said the groundbreaking multi-event meet has the potential to become one of the most important fixtures in the world of sports.
Pakistan Consul General Masood Akhtar and Press Attaché Suhail Ali Khan also attended the function.
“Many international athletes are participating in the games in which athletes from African Muslim countries have an upper hand,” said Abdul Khaliq.
He lauded the Saudi Youth Welfare Presidency and its officials whose keen interest will make the event a big success.
A 140-strong Pakistani contingent including 96 athletes will participate in 10 events namely basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, athletics, karate, taekwondo, football and handball, said Abdul Khaliq.
Competitions in 31 events will be held in Makkah, Madinah, Taif and Jeddah. The Pakistani team will set up their main base in Jeddah, he said.
Asked about Pakistan’s wining chances, Abdul Khaliq said the country stood a good chance in athletics, karate, handball and tennis.
With a view to strengthening Muslim unity and encouraging Muslim youth to put in their competitive best, Saudi Arabian Airlines has provided 50 free return tickets to each participating country.
The second Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in 2009 in Iran under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Conference.
Pakistan is making efforts to host the games in 2013. Syria is another contender to host the games, Abdul Khaliq said.
