JEDDAH, 13 April 2005 — Dr. Rasheed Al-Tunisi, president of anti doping committee, said 85 samples were collected within three days for drug tests from athletes in the first Islamic Solidarity Games. Most of the samples were collected from swimmers, divers and Karatekas. The test results would be announced when the samples arrive from Dubai and Tunisia.
Syrian Swimmer Sent Back Home
JEDDAH, 13 April 2005 — Syrian swimmer Naieem Al-Masri, silver medalist in the 1,500 meters freestyle and a strong candidate to win more medals, was sent back home for refusing to wear his country’s team jersey. According to a Syrian source, Naieem refused to wear his country’s colors before he was awarded the silver medal. He insisted on wearing a T-shirt bearing the logo of a juice company that agreed to pay him if he wears their shirt. The same source said the swimmer faces disciplinary action back home.
Turnaway Crowd in Karate Event
MADINAH, 13 April 2005 — Even before the competition could start Monday the karate hall at the Prince Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Sports City had been filled to more than the capacity forcing security personnel to close the gates and refuse entry to fans outside the hall. Fans who managed to get in numbered 1,200, well in excess of the capacity of 800. The manager of the hall, Ibraheem Al-Musbah, said most of the fans were from Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Al-Musbah said they had to turn away the growing crowd in consideration of their public safety.
Sudan’s Support From Community Strongest
JEDDAH, 13 April 2005 — Sudan has been noted to have the strongest support among local communities in the Kingdom. The presence of Sudanese community was heavily felt during the competition taking place in four cities. Their support of their football team was particularly impressive. They also lend support off the field by hanging out at the hotel where the Sudan delegation is billeted.
