Sana'a: The Prophet's Birthday Recreational Football Tournament for the Deaf was kicked off on Wednesday at the Recreational Stadium in the capital Sana'a, organized by the General Federation for Deaf Sports.
According to Yemen News Agency, the five-day tournament, held under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and supported by the Youth and Sports Welfare Fund, features 44 players representing the Amanat Al-Asimah Deaf Club, the Deaf Care and Rehabilitation Association, Al-Amal School for the Deaf in Madhbah, and Al-Mustaqbal School for the Deaf in Shu'ub.
At the opening, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for the Sports Sector Ali Hadban stated that the tournament strengthens the attachment of Yemenis from all segments of society to the Seal of the Prophets, their love for him, and their commitment to following and emulating his example in a manner that contributes to confronting oppressors and supporting the oppressed.
He noted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which supported the tournament, will continue to support the Deaf Sports Federation, which has achieved numerous accomplishments at both the domestic and international levels.
For his part, Chairman of the Deaf Sports Federation Captain Ahmed Al-Qamra remarked that the tournament aims to give the deaf community an opportunity to celebrate and rejoice in the Prophet's birthday, the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad, who brought the light of truth, the certainty of guidance, and the blessing of the divine gift.
He noted that the tournament is part of the federation's plan and current sports-season program, providing opportunities for competition among deaf players and their peers while developing their sporting abilities in football, the world's most popular sport.
Al-Qamra acknowledged the continued support provided by the Youth and Sports Welfare Fund to the federation and its activities, expressing hope that the support would continue throughout the year to enable the federation to fully implement its programs and activities and develop the capabilities of the national deaf teams, allowing them to compete at the domestic, regional, and international levels.
At the start of the tournament's competitions, Al-Amal School for the Deaf defeated the Deaf Club 3-1 in the opening match.
In the second match, Al-Mustaqbal School for the Deaf drew 0-0 with the Deaf Association.
Tomorrow evening, Thursday, the same stadium will host a match between Al-Amal School and the Deaf Association, followed by a second-chance match between the Deaf Club and Al-Mustaqbal School.