RIYADH — The 8th Keli Football Tournament began at the Nasriya Al-Asima International Stadium here recently.
The biggest ever football tournament of Indian expatriates here was inaugurated by Fayadh Al-Shammari, Sports Editor-in-Chief, Al-Riyadh News.
The tournament is being organized by Keli, a non-profit socio-cultural and philanthropic community organization of expatriate Keralites in and around Riyadh.
Riyadh Villas, an architectural company, is the main sponsor. Eight major teams affiliated to the Riyadh Indian Football Association (RIFA) are participating in this tournament, played on league-cum-knockout basis.
The tournament will continue for nine weeks and all matches will be played on Fridays. Semifinals are scheduled for Nov. 23, while the final and closing ceremony will be held on Dec. 4, according to Rasheed Melethil, secretary of the organization.
Naushad Kormath, chairman of the tournament organizing committee, presided over the inaugural function. Ahmed Al-Hajlah (GM Hamza Al-Najoom Co.), Rajesh (finance manager, Riyadh Villas), Ajith (Riyadh Vills), Yahya (marketing manager, Safa Makkah Polyclinic), Moideen (manager Atlas Jewellery), Basheer Musaliyarakath (MD, Paragon Group) and representatives of various expatriate community organizations, representatives of sponsors and community leaders graced the ceremony. Prabhakaran, convenor of the organizing committee, welcomed the guests.
Prior to the inaugural function, a march-past by team members, school children, Keli volunteers, traditional folk arts of Kerala and the tableau won the hearts of a large crowd.
The fourth inter-school football tournament will also be conducted for international Indian schools of Riyadh from Oct. 23.
Keli, which has made its presence felt in socio-cultural and philanthropic activities, is also taking a lead role in promoting sports activities and providing opportunities for talented Indian expatriate children in Riyadh.
The ceremonial kick-off was done by Rajesh. In a thrilling inaugual match, Youth India defeated Rainbow Soccer 3-1. Youth India’s Salman was selected Man of the Match and was awarded the prize sponsored by G-Mart. Riyas, also of Youth India, scored the first goal in the tournament, and won a gold coin, sponsored by Double Horse.
Friday’s matches:
Royal FC vs. Azizia Soccer at 4:30 p.m. and ECU Line Saudi Arabia UFC vs. Obayar Travels at 6:30 p.m. — SG
