Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
The Saudi Universities Futsal Championship kicked off today, Wednesday, hosted by Qassim University as part of the fifth gathering of the Federation's championships in its eighth season, under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Dr. Ahmed Al-Eissa. The championship continues until next Saturday, witnessing the participation of over 450 players representing 25 governmental and private universities and colleges.
His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, President of the University, welcomed the attendees from the Universities Sports Federation, university staff, and competition participants during his speech at the championship's opening ceremony. He expressed his happiness at hosting this significant tournament, which coincides with the opening of the university's new sports halls. His Excellency emphasized the university's readiness to host any cultural, sports, scientific, or research activity within its premises, affirming that Qassim University is blessed with numerous scientific and cultural events. Through these endeavors, the university looks forward to the glory and prestige of our dear nation.
"Al-Dawoud" expressed his sincere thanks to all university staff for their great efforts in completing the sports halls project and presenting it in this beautiful manner, explaining that these facilities were made possible by the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince, who give paramount attention to the nation and its citizens and support everything that benefits youth. He also noted the support and guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Qassim Region, and His Highness Deputy Governor Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdulaziz, who are always keen to support and assist this university in all its services and activities.
"Al-Dawod" addressed the championship guests and participants, saying: "We are delighted to have you at this university, and my colleagues and I hope that we have presented what is befitting your presence and participation. I ask God Almighty to grant success to everyone and to achieve the goals set by our colleagues at the Saudi Universities Sports Federation," emphasizing that such activities strengthen the bonds of national unity among the youth of Saudi universities.
From his side, the Secretary-General of the Saudi Universities Sports Federation, Dr. Salah Al-Saqqa, explained that this year's championship is witnessing the participation of 387 players representing a number of governmental and private universities and colleges. These universities include: Umm Al-Qura University, Islamic University, Jeddah University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al-Baha University, Al-Jouf University, Northern Borders University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, King Khalid University, King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Tabuk University, Jazan University, Hail University, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Shaqra University, Taibah University, Najran University, and Ibn Sina National College for Medical Sciences.
"Al-Saqqa" pointed out that this championship is the second and final stage of the Universities Championship. The first stage was held in a league format within each university among college teams, through which one team was selected comprising the most prominent players in the internal league as the university team to represent it in the final championship held at Qassim University in a round-robin league format. The first-place team from each group qualifies for the second round, in addition to the two best teams in the groups. The second-round matches are held in a knockout system, while the teams" ranking is determined by the total points. Each team is represented by 5 main players and 7 substitutes. "Al-Saqqa" confirmed that the championship matches are held in accordance with the rules of the International Federation of the Game.
The opening matches for the championship kicked off today, with Hall B hosting the game between Jazan University and Hail University, while Hall A hosted the match between Al-Baha University and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.
