Islamic Games open in Mecca

Islamic Games open in Mecca

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The first-ever Islamic Games kicked off in the holy city of Mecca on Friday in an Olympics-style tournament aimed at showing Muslim athletic prowess, with over 6,000 sportsmen - but no women - from 50 countries.

The tournament, dubbed the Islamic Olympic Games, is hosted by four Saudi cities - Mecca, Medina, Jiddah and Taif - and brings together members of sports unions affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Conference.

Women are not competing in the games. The conservative kingdom bars women from practicing sports, even in schools.

Prince Abdel Majid Bin Abdel Aziz, the prince of Mecca, opened the games on Friday in a ceremony that featured more than 2,600 students at the King Abdul Aziz stadium in Mecca. Competitions began on Saturday.

Fifty-five countries are taking part in the games, with 6,000 players competing in various categories, including swimming, diving, tennis, fencing, weightlifting, soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, karate and athletics. The mentally and physically challenged will also compete in special events.

The tournament, which Saudi officials boast is the second- largest sports gathering after the Olympics, ends April 20. --AP