Gulf Cup integrated amid great excitement
KUWAIT CITY: The Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium was packed to capacity as the 23rd Gulf Cup got under way with Kuwait meeting Saudi Arabia in the opener after a glittering opening ceremony on Friday.
Kuwait’s Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah attended the event with other dignitaries. Shaikh Sabah drove into the stadium amid the cheer of the spectators and his car was followed by mounted guards holding the flags of all participation nations.
As the sun went down, the fans lit up the stadium with led lights and it looked as if the stars had descended into the Stadium. After the ‘Ardah’ performance (Traditional Arab dance), lit drones flew around like fire flies as sound and light show took centre stage before ending with a dramatic fireworks display.
For the tournament, the eight participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A is arguably the tougher of the dual-group competition comprising 10-time winner and hosts Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman. Group B comprises defending champions Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq and Yemen.
Gulf Cup Group B venue Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium has been readied with all the needs necessary to host the regional tournament, with two fixtures on Saturday. The stadium will see Qatar take on Yemen in the group’s first match followed by a showdown between Bahrain and Iraq.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al Roudhan, speaking ahead of the tournament said that the “first sign of success is the arrival of all GCC member states to the 23rd edition”.
He thanked the participating teams for sharing the joy with the Kuwaiti football fans after their ban by Fifa on Kuwait’s football team was lifted.
Al Roudhan appreciated the effort of the higher organising committee for its relentless efforts to set the stage for the Gulf 23 Cup.
“The preparations for such great gathering could take up to six months but, thanks to the dedicated Kuwaiti youth and cooperation of various competent bodies, Kuwait was ready in a record time to host the event,” the minister said.