JEDDAH — Blue Star Sports Club is organizing a soccer festival with the participation of major teams registered with the Saudi Indian Football Federation (SIFF) in Jeddah. Eight teams, fielding renowned players from Kerala, will take part in the two-month-long Nadec-Blue Star Soccer Fest 2012, organizers said at a press conference here Tuesday night. The matches will be held at a floodlit stadium behind Badr Bakery, near Baladiya Park, off King Fahd (Sitteen) Street. A colorful inaugural function is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 10:30 p.m. on the ground, according to Mukhtar Wandoor, tournament committee convener. According to the organizers two matches will be played every Thursday — one at 10.30 p.m. and the second one at midnight. Blue Star has won a significant place in the hearts of thousands of Indian football fans in Jeddah through its amazing performances in the last 15 years, said Sherief Pungode. Riyas Malappuram, Abu and Firoz Nilambra were also present at the press conference. The main sponsor of the event is Nadec, while other supporting the tournament are: Al-Abeer Medical Group, Regal Mall, Imami Group, Eastern Curry Powder and Badr Tamam Polyclinic. Cash prizes, offered by the organizers, await winners at the end of the event. Muhammed Riyas Khalid, Executive Director of Nadec, will release the tournament fixture at Impala Gardens, Sharafia, Thursday. Alungal Mohammed, Director of Al-Abeer Medical Group, Hifz Ar-Rahman, SIFF President, and other notable personalities are expected to attend the ceremony. Other members of the tournament committee are: Adom Kabeer, Anees and Babu Malappuram (light and sound); Moosa Malappuram and Saidalavi (medical aid); and Anwar Vadakkangara and Jalaludheen (public relations). — SG
