Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stepped onto the basketball court during the inauguration of the El-Fayha Sports Hall in Damascus on Tuesday, taking several shots as part of the ceremonial opening ahead of a friendly match between Syria and Lebanon’s men’s national basketball teams.
The event marked the reopening of the renovated venue, which has been upgraded to meet international standards, according to officials present at the ceremony. Al-Sharaa, joined by Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Şeybani, Interior Minister Enes Hattap, and Youth and Sports Minister Muhammed el-Hamid, participated in pre-game shooting drills before signing the game ball and welcoming players from both teams.
In his brief opening remarks, the Syrian president reflected on his personal connection to the sport, noting that he had been forced to abandon basketball due to the country’s prolonged conflict. “I had to leave basketball behind because of the war,” al-Sharaa said, as reported by multiple regional outlets covering the event. “Now, returning to the court feels like a symbol of what we’re trying to rebuild.”
He drew a parallel between the game and the nation’s path forward, describing basketball as a metaphor for resilience and renewal. “It’s another game now — defense, offense, victory, defeat — but the future holds better things for you all,” he told attendees, emphasizing that the hall’s reopening represents progress in Syria’s broader reconstruction efforts.
Al-Sharaa also addressed the historical ties between Syria and Lebanon, acknowledging that while the two nations once shared strong fraternal relations, political divisions had strained those bonds over the years. “The Syrian and Lebanese peoples once had deep connections,” he said. “But politics damaged that relationship. Events like this — bringing our athletes together — are steps toward healing.”
He stressed that the friendly match was not about competition but unity, stating there would be “no clear winner” in the encounter. “If one side wins, the other wins too,” al-Sharaa added. “What matters is that we move past the damage. Syria and Lebanon have both suffered greatly. Now is the time for reconstruction and development. May God grant us the strength to serve our people well.”
The president also praised the Youth and Sports Minister for his dedication to the project, revealing that the minister had recently offered his resignation but was persuaded to remain in office. “He worked incredibly hard to make this reopening happen,” al-Sharaa said. “He tendered his resignation a few days ago, but we did not accept it.”
The El-Fayha Sports Hall, located in the heart of Damascus, had undergone extensive renovations to restore its functionality after years of disuse due to the conflict. Officials described it as a vital community hub where Syrian athletes and fans can once again gather, calling its renewal a significant milestone for the country’s sports infrastructure.
Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Cemal Şerif highlighted the hall’s symbolic importance, stating it had become a renewed emblem of national sports pride. “This is more than just a building,” he said. “It’s a place where Syrian athletes come together, where youth can train, and where our sporting spirit is being rekindled after a long absence.”
The opening game between Syria and Lebanon served as the first major event held at the facility since its renovation, drawing attention from across the region as a rare moment of sports diplomacy amid ongoing efforts to stabilize and rebuild the nation.
As of this report, no further details have been released regarding future events scheduled at the El-Fayha Sports Hall, though officials indicated it will host regular training sessions, local competitions, and potential international fixtures in the coming months as part of Syria’s gradual return to regional sports participation.
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