JEDDAH, 9 April 2005 — The Saudi Swimming Federation (SASF) made up of swimming, diving, and water polo tapered off preparations for the first Islamic Solidarity Games which opened yesterday.
After a couple of practices Thursday, the Saudi swimmers are ready to plunge into action, announced Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Fahd ibn Abdullah, president of the Saudi Swimming Federation.
Saudi swimming sensation, Ahmed Al Kudmani is expected to deliver a strong performance in the 50-meter breaststroke competition starting today.
Kudmani won the gold medal in the event and bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke in the last Arab Games which were held in Algeria last October. He was also part of the 4X100 relay team that took the silver medal at the Arab Games.
“I am really looking forward to the competition, and the fact that it is happening on Saudi soil makes it more exciting,” said the 25-year old Kudmani who is scheduled to compete for the in the 50 m breaststroke today.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to welcome our brothers from around the Islamic world to their home and we hope that we will be both be great hosts and competitors.”
Kudmani added: “This is indeed a great honor to us to participate in these games which are held for the first time in Saudi Arabia and we hope that the Saudi turnout is up to par with expectations of the tournament.
Jeddah spectators have been always supportive of their tournaments and national teams and we are looking forward to seeing a strong spectator turnout during the competitions.”
The other members of the Saudi swimming team are Mohammed Al Yousuf, Maher Al Moatar, Ahmed Al Marhoun, Badr Al Muhanna, Yousuf Al Yousuf, Loay Tashkandi, Rayan Al Owayed, Ahmed Al Kudmani. The team is coached by Mr. Alexei Borodai.
