By Abdellatif Sharaa
KUWAIT: Kuwait teams participating in the 34th Arab Clubs Basketball Tournament, hosted by Kuwait Sports Club had positive results in the opening matches as Kuwait Basketball team defeated Ahli Benghazi (Libya) 76-60 in its first round match, meanwhile Kazima defeated Bashaer (Oman) 99-80, and Jahra defeated Dijla University (Iraq) 72-57.
The opening day saw Ahli (Egypt) defeating Mina (Yemen) 130-53, while Ahli (Bahrain) defeated Al-Sadd (Qatar) 69-60. Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt) defeated Aleppo Ahli (Syria) 99-52. Each winning team received 2 points while losers got 1 point. The tournament had a simple opening ceremony and laser lighting was used besides a welcoming song for the delegation by Bashar Abdallah.
The ceremony was attended by President of Kuwait Olympic Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, Acting Director of Public Authority for Sport Mahmoud Abul, Egypt's Ambassador Usama Shaltout, Kuwait Basketball Association Chairman Rasheed Al-Enezi and other dignitaries.
Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad said the tournament is an opportunity to strengthen ties between Arab brothers, while exchanging technical and administrative expertise. He said "welcome for our Arab brothers in their second country Kuwait and land or friendship and peace, and we wish them a pleasant stay." Sheikh Fahad lauded the good organizations and wished Kuwait teams all success.