Sports as a Key to Recovery and Reconstruction Fahmi Al-Sayed| Sudanow Magazine

(Khartoum – Sudanow)

The state is placing significant hope in the return of sports activities, fully aware of the vital role that sports and youth institutions play in the journey of reconstruction and recovery. Given that young people make up the majority of society, motivating and encouraging them to return to the activities they lost due to war has become an urgent priority. This aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, particularly through supporting youth initiatives within reconstruction and recovery programs.

In this context, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Professor Ahmed Adam Ahmed, stated during a press briefing at the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) on Sunday that the ministry has begun implementing a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate sports and youth infrastructure in Khartoum State. He revealed that approximately 95% of facilities were destroyed due to the war waged by rebel militias, necessitating full mobilization of all bodies and institutions to engage in reconstruction and recovery programs. He explained that work has already begun on rehabilitating Khartoum Stadium, including its perimeter wall and basic facilities, noting arrangements to import specialized equipment as well as coordination with regional and international partners to support reconstruction efforts in the sports sector.

The minister also pointed out that major facilities, such as the Sports City, were severely damaged, including electricity and water networks, halting the completion of vital projects that included stadiums, hotels, and integrated facilities within the complex.

During the briefing, Professor Ahmed Adam reviewed the ministry’s efforts to assess damages and form specialized committees since last September, in addition to launching initiatives to rebuild and rehabilitate stadiums, playgrounds, and youth facilities. He added that the ministry has directed federations, clubs, and youth organizations to contribute to reconstruction efforts. He noted a broad response from various sectors, with young people participating in rehabilitating schools and hospitals alongside sports facilities, reflecting a strong sense of national responsibility and their role in supporting social stability.

The minister also outlined a plan to prepare stadiums and fields, revealing that turf and lighting equipment for Khartoum Stadium are expected to arrive in Port Sudan in the coming days. He affirmed the ministry’s ambition to build stadiums and facilities to international standards—promises that, if fulfilled, would mark a significant milestone. The country urgently needs a sports infrastructure capable of hosting regional and international tournaments, a goal that previous eras failed to achieve despite ongoing media attention highlighting structural deficiencies in the sports system.

There is no doubt that the launch of the Elite League in mid-May—previously announced by the Football Association and reaffirmed by the minister—represents the real starting point for the return of sports activities. Clubs have already begun preparations: Hay Al-Wadi Nyala has announced its readiness from the Football Academy grounds; Amjad Al-Kamelin continues training in Omdurman; Al-Ahli Madani is playing friendly matches; and Hilal Al-Sahel is also preparing. The participation of major clubs with large fan bases, such as Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, is expected to create much-needed momentum in Khartoum, fulfilling the aspirations of sports fans and encouraging other activities to resume and return to their venues for a promising restart.

The minister further announced the formation of a committee to rehabilitate stadiums, noting that it has already prepared ten stadiums in Khartoum State, four of which are ready to host sports activities, including the Elite League matches. This step is considered significant given the country’s current circumstances. He also revealed that the ministry has initiated contacts with several Arab countries to contribute to reconstruction efforts. Additionally, he announced the return of women’s sports, increased focus on youth age groups, activation of youth centers, and support for veteran players and athletes injured in the “Battle of Dignity,” praising their contributions both during the conflict and in the recovery phase.

The briefing highlighted the state’s high-level commitment to supporting and guiding the restoration of sports activities, starting with rehabilitation and the completion of key facilities. This momentum strengthens the path toward recovery, the return of residents, and the restoration of normal life in Khartoum through sports.

Will Khartoum regain its former brilliance? Sudanese memory still recalls the day Khartoum Stadium hosted the English giants Liverpool FC with its full lineup of stars—goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, striker Ian Rush, and the legendary Kenny Dalglish—in an initiative led by the late President Jaafar Nimeiry.

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