Iraq dazzles in opening ceremony for the Gulf Cup
Iraqi superstar singer Hussam Al Rassam at the Basra International Stadium.
Basra (IraqiNews.com) – Football enthusiasts filled the Basra International Stadium on Friday, as Iraq welcomed teams from across the region for the 25th Gulf Cup.
The opening ceremony began with Iraqi poet Hazim Jabir, Iraqi actress Enas Talib, Iraqi actor Jawad Al Shakarchi and Iraqi singer Hussam Al Rassam, who lit up the field telling a story of their native Mesopotamia; the mother of all civilizations steeped in history and culture. Al Rassam’s show-stopping performance welcomed thousands upon thousands of foreign and local fans, paying homage to his beloved Iraq, in a heartwarming melody that beat through the hearts of every fan.
The energy was electric and full of anticipation, as flags filled the stadium in every corner, and the cheers beat louder with every passing second. The light show and special effects were so dazzling that for a split second one might forget the pain and suffering Iraq has been plagued by. A nation, that even with all that it had endured, still exudes an abundance of warmth and hospitality.
The opening ceremony welcomed visitors from across the Arab world, who filled the entire 65,000 seats stadium, also known as the Trunk of the Palm. The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino also attended this historic event, joined by the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Dirjal.
Infantino took to his Instagram, “I am so happy that competitive football has finally returned to Iraq, a real football loving country, even more so with such a prestigious tournament.” And added, “Football is happiness and it gives hope to so many people and in this case to an entire country. The full stadium and fantastic atmosphere in Basra tonight is a testimony to that.”
This Gulf Cup is the first international tournament hosted on Iraqi soil since 1979, the same year Saddam seized power.
Eight teams from the region will be participating in the tournament which runs until January 19. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A consists of Iraq, Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Group B consists of Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.
After decades of war, a US-led invasion, instability and turmoil, this event is more than just a football match. It symbolizes Iraq’s hope of better days and a promising future for a country that has seen and suffered so much.
In ‘The Venice of the East’, Arabs today celebrated side-by-side, filling the iconic Iraqi stadium with a deafening cheer and widespread support for one another. This is the spirit of Mesopotamia.