Gaza: The 9th edition of the 'Martyr Abdelkader Hilal Ramadan Football Tournament' kicked off today at Omar Al-Mukhtar High School Stadium in the Capital, organized by the Masek Development Youth Council.
According to Yemen News Agency, the tournament, which will continue until the end of Ramadan, features 16 teams divided into four groups. These include seven teams that advanced from the preliminary qualifiers held since Sha'ban with 15 participating teams, and nine teams that directly qualified for the finals.
At the opening ceremony, Hamoud Al-Naqeeb, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee of the Capital Local Council, praised the tournament, held in honor of Martyr of Peace and Development Abdelkader Ali Hilal. He emphasized that the tournament represents a Ramadan sports celebration, bringing together teams from different neighborhoods within and outside the Capital, noting that the event attracts large crowds and adds a sporting flavor to the month alongside religious and awareness activities.
Al-Naqeeb noted that the preliminary qualifiers began in Sha'ban, and the final rounds are now underway across the Capital, Sana'a. The opening ceremony was attended by Mazen Naaman, Deputy Secretary-General for Financial Affairs; Basheer Al-Jassami, Assistant Secretary-General of the Football Association; and Mufaddal Ahmed Mufaddal, Vice President of Sha'ab Sana'a Club.
Mujahid Zayed, Chairman of the Tournament Organizing Committee, stated that the tournament continues its 19th year under various names and the ninth edition under the title 'Martyr Abdelkader Ali Hilal Tournament.' He described it as one of the most prominent Ramadan tournaments in the Capital in terms of organization and technical level, noting that it is self-funded and features wide participation from national team stars, clubs, and local teams.
Zayed added that Martyr Abdelkader Hilal participated in the 10th edition of the tournament before his martyrdom, and the tournament has continued under his name in tribute to his role. On the first day, two matches of Group A took place: defending champions 'Al-Bon Agency' defeated 'Silifen Academy' 2-0, while 'Al-Mojour Trading' beat 'Hilal Sheraton' 2-1.
The tournament continues with strong public attendance, reflecting its status as one of the leading Ramadan sporting events in the Capital.