20.04.2026 21:20
Syrian President Ahmed Shara attended the friendly match marking the opening of the Al-Fayha Sports Hall, featuring the men's national basketball teams of Syria and Lebanon. Playing basketball with the players, Shara referred to his love for the sport in past years, stating, "Basketball was one of the games dearest to our hearts, but we abandoned it due to wars and conflicts. We switched to another game similar to it."
The Syrian and Lebanese men's national basketball teams faced each other in a friendly match as part of the opening of the Al-Fayha Sports Hall in Damascus.
AHMED SHARA PLAYED BASKETBALL WITH THE PLAYERS
The match was attended by Syrian President Ahmed Shara, Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani, Interior Minister Enes Hattap, Youth and Sports Minister Muhammed al-Hamid, and other officials. During the opening ceremony, President Shara, who made basketball shots before the match, greeted the players of both teams and signed the match ball.
''WE GAVE UP BASKETBALL DUE TO WARS AND CONFLICTS''
In a brief speech at the opening, President Ahmed Shara stated that he had to give up basketball, one of his favorite sports, due to the war. Shara said in his speech, "Basketball was one of the most beloved games in our hearts, but we gave it up because of wars and conflicts. We switched to a similar game. It is a different game with defense tactics, offense, victory, and defeat. The future may hold better things for you."
Shara, noting that he is a Youth and Sports Minister who loves this area, said, "He worked hard for such an opening to take place. He submitted his resignation a few days ago, but we did not accept it." He continued his remarks:
"There was a very good relationship between the peoples of Syria and Lebanon. But politics has damaged this relationship. This activity was very timely for the restoration of relations. There is no clear winner between the two countries. If one wins, the other wins too. Syria and Lebanon have suffered a lot. It is time to put an end to this. Now is the time for reconstruction and development. May God give you strength to provide beautiful services to us."
''SPORTS HALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS''
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Cemal Sherif, in his speech, stated, "Today, we gather in this place, which is not just walls and a roof, where Syrian sports enthusiasts come together in love and fair competition."
Sherif expressed his satisfaction with the opening of the Al-Fayha Sports Hall, which has been modernized in accordance with international standards. Sherif stated, "We have revived one of the most important symbols of Syrian sports."