Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara stepped onto the court before the official opening of the renovated El-Feyha Sports Hall in Damascus, taking part in a pre-match basketball shootaround as part of the inauguration ceremony for the facility.
The moment was captured on video and widely shared, showing al-Shara engaging in basketball activities prior to the friendly match between the men’s national teams of Syria and Lebanon. The event marked the reopening of the El-Feyha Sports Hall following extensive renovations.
According to verified reports, al-Shara participated in the pre-game festivities by taking shots and greeting players from both teams before officially presenting the game ball. His involvement highlighted the symbolic importance of the event as a gesture of renewed sporting ties between the two nations.
During his brief remarks at the opening ceremony, al-Shara reflected on his personal connection to basketball, noting that he had been forced to step away from the sport due to the country’s prolonged conflict. He described basketball as one of his favorite sports and spoke about the broader significance of the match in rebuilding regional relationships.
“We have moved on to another similar game. Defense tactics, offense, victory and defeat — it’s a different game. The future may hold better things for you,” al-Shara said, according to reports from the event. He emphasized that the gathering was not about competition but about restoring what had been damaged by years of political strain.
The Syrian president also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Muhammed el-Hamid, stating that the minister had worked hard to make the reopening possible, even offering his resignation shortly before the event, which al-Shara said was not accepted.
Al-Shara further spoke about the historical ties between the Syrian and Lebanese peoples, lamenting how politics had disrupted what had once been a strong relationship. He framed the basketball match as a meaningful step toward healing, saying there are no true winners or losers in such encounters — only shared progress.
“Syria and Lebanon have both suffered greatly. It’s time to set an end to this. Now is the time for reconstruction and development. May God grant us the strength to serve you well,” he concluded, calling for unity and rebuilding efforts moving forward.
The El-Feyha Sports Hall underwent comprehensive renovations to meet international standards, including a completely renewed playing surface, upgraded lighting systems, modernized scoreboards, and improved locker rooms for players and referees. Spectator and media areas were also modernized as part of the overhaul.
The friendship match between the Syrian and Lebanese men’s national basketball teams served as the inaugural event for the revitalized venue, ending in a 110-73 victory for Lebanon. The game was attended by several high-ranking Syrian officials, including the Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, and Youth and Sports Minister, all of whom watched from the stands.
As a global sports moment capturing leadership engagement through athletics, the image of a head of state participating in a pre-game ritual resonates beyond the scoreboard. It reflects the unifying potential of sport, particularly in regions seeking to rebuild trust and cooperation through peaceful, shared experiences.
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