10 April 2005	Sunday	30 Safar 1426

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MAKKAH, April 9: The first Islamic Countries Solidarity Games were inaugurated in a colourful ceremony at the King Abdul Aziz Sports Stadium on Friday night.

Over 4000 athletes of 54 countries took part in the march past. Pakistan, although having a 140-member contingent, was represented by a 40-member squad in the march past.

“Players of different games have to meet in their respective competitions on Saturday and we decided to give them more time to prepare themselves, the secretary of the contingent Khalid Mahmood said.

The players of karate, swimming, football and table tennis did not take part in the ceremony.

Prince Sultan Bin Fahad in his speech welcomed all the players and officials to the holy city.

“I welcome you all here and I wish you the best of luck in the competitions. I wish best regards and best stay on behalf of Makkah.

“Saudi Arabia is very delighted to have you here tonight for the first time in its history. The event is the second biggest sports competition after Olympics Games. What makes us happier that this important event is being organized in Makkah which has been chosen as the capital of Islamic culture of the year, the Prince said.

The Games were declared open by Amir Abdul Majeed Bin Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Makkah.

No contingent was allowed to raise any slogans during the ceremony. Traditional dances and a 15-minute firework display which impressed a crowd of 20,000 was the major attraction.

Fireworks display were also held in the cities of Taif, Madinah and Jeddah, which are the other venues of the Games.

Meanwhile, Aisamul Haq and Aqeel Khan are top two seeded players of the tennis event.

According to a Pakistan tennis team spokesman, Aisam is No 1, while Aqeel is the second seed. Aisam and Aqeel said they were not aware of their seeding.

“It is good to know that I am top seed. I will try to do by best, Aisam said.

He said he was trying to adjust on hard courts here which, he said, were quite fast.

“I think it is a great honour for me that I carried the national flag during the opening ceremony. In return, I will try to give a medal to the country. Our morale is high after beating Thailand this year in Davis Cup that will boost us. The matches here will also help us prepare for the forthcoming Davis Cup tie against Taiwan in Lahore later this month, he said.

Aqeel said he was adjusting himself on hard courts. “We are good at playing on grass courts but with better training we will soon adjust ourselves on hard courts, he said.

He said he had no idea about the potential of players from Arab countries as he never faced any of them.

Coach Rashid Malik refrained from making tall claims, saying time will tell what my players can do.

“It is not wise to claim medal because upsets is the part of the game. But I am confident my boys will go for a medal, he said.

Tennis competitions will be held in Taif from April 12.