Islamic Solidarity Games Kick off in Indonesia
The Islamic Solidarity Games got under way in Indonesia on Sunday, September 22.
More than 1,800 athletes from 46 Muslim-populated countries are taking part in the games in the world’s most populous Muslim country, organizers said.
“Let’s put aside our political burden,” Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in the opening ceremony, as he paid particular tribute to the Egyptian, Syrian and Palestinian delegations attending the event.
“Through this event, let’s prove to the world that Islamic countries can live in unity and harmony,” he said.
The opening ceremony in Palembang, a city on Sumatra Island, was modest.
It was moved from Riau in Sumatra to the capital Jakarta, only to be shifted to Palembang after Sumatran officials complained.
Organizers had less than two months to move everything to the new venue.
The games were first held in 2005 in Saudi Arabia.
This edition of the games started with basketball and soccer, and 11 other sports will begin in the coming days.
Source: Agencies
“Let’s put aside our political burden,” Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in the opening ceremony, as he paid particular tribute to the Egyptian, Syrian and Palestinian delegations attending the event.
“Through this event, let’s prove to the world that Islamic countries can live in unity and harmony,” he said.
The opening ceremony in Palembang, a city on Sumatra Island, was modest.
It was moved from Riau in Sumatra to the capital Jakarta, only to be shifted to Palembang after Sumatran officials complained.
Organizers had less than two months to move everything to the new venue.
The games were first held in 2005 in Saudi Arabia.
This edition of the games started with basketball and soccer, and 11 other sports will begin in the coming days.
Source: Agencies
