Sana’a: The second edition of the Ali Fayea Ramadan Volleyball Championship commenced on Monday at the Sam Entertainment Club in the capital Sana’a. The tournament, organized by the General Volleyball Federation Steering Committee, features 64 players from 8 teams and is supported by Walid Fayea, son of the late Ali Fayea, along with Muthanna Medical Center for Hearing and Speech Care.
According to Yemen News Agency, the teams are divided into two groups, competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, culminating in the championship final. This eight-day event is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth.
The first group consists of teams named after Martyrs Yahya al-Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hashem Safi al-Din. The second group includes teams named after Martyrs Saleh al-Sammad, Mohammed al-Daif, al-Qobri, and Abu Harb, with matches scheduled for Ramadan evenings.
During the opening ceremony, Walid Ali Fayea, head of the steering committee, urged players to exhibit their best skills. He stressed the committee’s dedication to reviving volleyball after a period of inactivity, with an aim to restore the sport’s former prominence.
On the opening day, Martyr Al-Sinwar defeated Martyr Hassan Nasrallah, and Martyr Hashem Safi al-Din defeated Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, both in straight sets. These victories placed Martyrs Yahya al-Sinwar and Hashem Safi Al-Din at the top of the first group, while Martyrs Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh remained without points.
Referees Muhammad al-Dhafri and Suhaib al-Adimi officiated the matches. The second group’s matches are set to begin on Monday evening, featuring Martyrs Saleh al-Samad against Martyr Mohammed al-Daif, and Martyrs al-Qubari versus Martyr Abu Harb.