Published on Aug 15 2008 

Allhamdolillah, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK sent over 80 Khuddam, along with 1 Atfal and some Ansar guests to participate in the "European Khilafat Jubilee Sports Tournament 2008" which was held in Mannheim, Germany.  This event took place on 16th - 17th August and was hosted by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Germany. We sent the following teams to represent the UK in each of the events at this tournament:

• Football - 2 teams
• Volleyball
• Cricket
• Basketball
• Kabaddi

The preparation for sending teams to this event began many months ago, with the invitation having been received well in advance from MKA Germany.  Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani MKA UK constructed committees to select and train each of the teams that would represent the UK at this tournament. 

With such a high interest in the football, it was agreed with the relevant committee (chaired by Faraz Sethi Sahib) to send two teams.  The selection of players was based on an initial squad selection from the National Football Tournament, from which players were invited to take part in numerous training sessions to determine the best players for the two teams. 

The basketball team selection was based on the ongoing Basketball Club training sessions (coached by Tahir Zafar Sahib, and Managed by Mohsin Tahir Sahib) and the preselected teams that participated in the International Masroor Basketball Tournament held in the UK in August. 

Selection of players for the volleyball, cricket and Kabaddi teams was based on an open invitation to trials, from which these teams were selected (under the supervision of Farid Dogar Sahib).

Each of the teams made their way to Germany on Friday 15th August, with about 35 Khuddam arriving by air and the remainder arriving by road.  Upon arrival, all guests were hospitably greeted by Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Germany and were well looked after throughout their stay.  As representative to Sadr Majlis UK (Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib), Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani UK (Naseer-ud-Din Shams Sahib) met with Sadr Majlis Germany and senior members of his Amila, along with other Sadraan from the various European nations.  After Salaat Sadr Sahib Germany gave a short address to all guests to the event and welcomed everyone.  In his address to all members, Sadr Sahib Germany emphasised the significance of this event during the blessed Khilafat Centenary year and in this regard requested all those present to repeat after him the special Khilafat Centenary prayers which had been prescribed by Huzoor (atba). After dinner all players went to sleep in preparation for the busy schedule the next day.

The morning of Saturday 16th August, began for all present at the Khilafat Jubilee European Sports Tournament with Fajr prayer.  After salaat was offered most people went back to sleep for a couple of hours, before getting up for breakfast and preparing for the first round of competitions.  All sports tournaments were scheduled to take place in parallel, and as the UK was participating in all of the tournaments this meant it was a difficult task for Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani UK to try to keep on top of all our progress.  Most of the tournaments took place at the Mannheim site itself, with specially constructed grounds for Volleyball, Cricket, Kabaddi and Basketball.  Whereas, the football was held at a site 5 minutes drive from the main venue.

The competition in each of the sports was of a high standard.  There was a total of 10 countries scheduled to take part in various sports, with UK and Germany competing in all events and the other countries competing in 2 or 3 sports.  By the close of play on Saturday, most of the tournaments had completed at least their preliminary round matches, which left the semi-final and final matches to play on Sunday morning.  In regards to the UK teams at this stage, all teams were still in their respective competitions, so hopes and spirits remained high!

On the evening of Saturday 16th August after Maghrib and Isha prayers, we were addressed by Ameer Jamaat Germany.  In his address Ameer Sahib emphasised the importance of 'brotherhood' amongst the Khuddam and gave an insight into his own real life examples of sporting activities.  After this address, everyone enjoyed a lovely dinner and went to bed tired from the days activities.

The final day of the European Sports Tournament began with Fajr prayers, after which breakfast was available and the teams prepared for their next round of competitions.  The matches in all competitions at this stage were much more intense and of an even higher standard. 

On the football pitches, the UK B team was unfortunately knocked out of the tournament, but the UK A team was in a semi-final match against Germany B.  The UK lost this match and were left to play in the 3rd/4th position match.  Unfortunately, even the 3rd place prize was not meant to be for the UK in this tournament, so in the end UK A walked away with 4th place in the tournament.  However, the level of talent shown by all the UK team members was much higher than in previous years and many people had commented on this visible development.

Meanwhile, back in the Mannheim site the other UK teams were also in fierce competition for their respective tournaments.  The UK Basketball team was notably playing to a consistent and high standard, and made it through to the final after a difficult and close match against France in the Semi Final stage.  The basketball tournament final was to be UK vs Germany.  The final went Germany's way in the end and they walked away victorious in this tournament on their home ground also.  Therefore, despite having beaten Germany on UK soil just a few weeks earlier, the UK Basketball team took 2nd place in this tournament.

On the Kabaddi ground - which had been specially prepared with 2 tonnes of soft sand! - there were only 3 teams competing in the tournament, 2 of which were German!  Despite the UK teams valiant efforts, they were dominated by the Germany teams and were unable to win their matches against team A and B.  In the end the UK Kabaddi team walked away with 3rd place (out of 3 teams!).  The team has vowed to train hard and come back to compete again and do better next time, inshaAllah.

The Volleyball court was a popular one with the crowds, especially when the UK was playing against Germany.  The teams were of a very high standard, with many of the players smashing the ball fiercely into their competitors half whilst the crowd cheered with Narray to applaud their efforts.  The UK was doing well in this competition, especially as the team was considered 'out of practice', they were now through to the Semi Final stage against Germany.  Unfortunately, this match went the way of the home side in this tournament also.  Therefore the final was left to Germany A Vs Germany B, however the UK team was victorious in their 3rd/4th place match and whilst disappointed not to have been in the final, were assured of their ability to win in future tournaments, inshaAllah.

On the Cricket pitches the UK team was struggling in the latter part of the tournament and faced some tough teams

So in Summary, below are the results of the tournaments as far as the UK teams were concerned:

• Basketball - 2nd Place
• Volleyball - 3rd Place
• Kabaddi - 3rd Place
• Football - 4th Place (Team A)
• Cricket - 4th Place

The winners of each of the tournaments was MKA Germany, who excelled in each of the events - although we have to say they had the 'home advantage'! 

The Final Session of the Khilafat Centenary European Sports Tournament was held after Zuhr and Asr prayers were offered in the main hall.  Whilst everyone was awaiting the arrival of Huzoor (atba) for the prize distribution and his closing address, Sadr Majlis MKA Germany gave a short address thanking everyone for their attendance and requested each respective Sadr, or representative, to address the audience with some remarks.  All of the Sadraan/representatives expounded on the excellent organisation of MKA Germany and on their exceptional hospitality.  Naseer-ud-Din Shams Sahib (who was representing Mirza Fakhar Ahmad Sahib at the event) reiterated sincere gratitude towards the hospitality and excellent organisation experienced by all the UK representatives present at the event, and went on to reflect on the fact that the Jamaat and indeed Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya is expanding at a great rate Allhamdolillah, and highlighted the significance of such events in order to maintain a better link of brotherhood amongst Khuddam throughout the Jamaat. 

Sadr Majlis MKA Germany presented each of the attending Sadraan, or representatives with parting gifts, which were souvenirs of the event.

Huzoor (atba) arrived shortly after the gifts were presented, and upon his arrival the formal closing session was commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran.  Sadr MKA Germany then gave a brief report of the event in which he explained that the event had been in planning for around 2 years. Sadr Sahib again thanked all guests for their attendance.

Huzoor (atba) then presented prizes to those achieving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place positions in the respective tournaments.  Each teams captain and vice captain was given the honour of receiving their prize from Huzoor (atba).  After the prize distribution Huzoor (atba) delivered his closing address in which he expounded on the true spirit in which sports should be played.  Huzoor (atba) explained that the main purpose of an Ahmadi playing in a sports tournament should not be solely to win a trophy, but rather to win as a champion of Islam, Ahmadiyyat, by conducting oneself in the proper manner and with the correct etiquette.

Huzoor (atba) was then kind enough to take photos with each of the teams from all the attending countries.

As soon as the session ended and Huzoor (atba) departed, the journey home for many of the UK team began, with a number of them having to rush to catch ferries that evening.  Allhamdolillah, all players arrived home safely and all commented that they had enjoyed the event thoroughly, also they were keen to achieve an even better result if offered a similar opportunity again.  Let us pray that such events continue and allow all who participate to improve year on year, both spiritually and physically. Ameen.

 

Pictures - Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Germany

Pictures - alislam.org