The 18th SIFF-Rabea Champions League, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, got off to a rousing start at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here Friday. The league championship is mainly sponsored by Rabea Tea and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, TSS Advertising, Fathima Food Stuff and Sharafiya Trading. The opening ceremony was very impressive with an orderly march-past by 32 participating teams and a variety of other colorful shows like scout band by Al-Noor International School, tableau by socio-cultural organizations on different current topics, Indonesian school kids' parade in traditional dress, Navodaya Baladevi's Indian brides from different regions. It virtually depicted the unity in diversity in India. The stunning show by Saudi artists Nadir and Majid with snakes and crocodiles wowed the crowd. During the opening ceremony, presided by SIFF President Hifsu Rahman, secretary Naser Santhapuram welcomed the guests and audience. Al-Abeer Medical Group Chairman Mohammed Alungal, who officially inaugurated the tournament, made the ceremonial kick-off along with JNH Chairman V.P. Mohammed Ali. In the inaugural match in C Division, debutant Newcastle held Youth India FC to a 1-1 draw. In the 23rd minute, Mohammed Ali of Youth India scored off a marvelous free-kick which won him the player of the match award. Shahid Ali equalized for Youth India. In second match in B Division, last year's semifinalist United Sports Slub scraped past Blasters FC Jeddah 1-0. Sulamain Pathiriveettil scored the only goal. Jaseel of United Sports Club was adjudged the best player of the match. Friday's matches: Young Challengers vs. Friday Football FC (8:00 p.m.); FC Qawaiza vs. United Sports Club B (9.05 p.m.); MakkahIndian FC vs. Town Team Strikers (10.10 p.m.). — SG
