One of the longest-running annual sports festivals takes place in Birmingham over August Bank Holiday.
MAMT 2019 will run from 24 August to 26 August, with over 1,000 participants and spectators from European Jamaats expected to revel in a weekend of competitive sports activities.
It is the single largest sports event for Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri communities across Europe.
Established in memory of Mulla Asgharali M M Jaffer, the MAMT has grown from humble origins to an established sports tournament, now in its 17th year.
The Council of European Jamaats is pleased to announce that MAMT 2019 will be hosted by the KSIMC of Birmingham, Masoomin Sports Club and Al Najiyaat.
Unifying and family friendly
The MAMT is a unifying family-friendly sports festival, in addition to carnival themed games, stall and food vendors.
Men and boys can compete in football, badminton, tennis, table tennis, squash, volleyball, snooker, carom and golf. Ladies’ and girls’ sports are football, netball, badminton, table tennis and swimming.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Engaging disaffected youth
World Federation President Anwarali Dharamsi said: “Sport provides an opportunity to boost friendships and relationships with peers and adults. Fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect are all virtues of sports and when adopted, make a community healthy, strong and united.
“The MAMT takes place in an Islamic environment to promote personal self-development, enhancing performance, engaging disaffected youth through sport and inclusive engagement of all groups within our community to increase participation.
“We are proud to be associated with MAMT and I would like to thank the Team for their hard work and organisation, the competitors, supporters and everyone else who has contributed to the success of MAMT since its inception.”
High anticipation
On behalf of Masoomin Sports Club, Chairman Mazhar Gulamhusein said: “It gives me great pleasure to invite you to Birmingham for the single largest sports event for Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri communities across Europe; the Mulla Asghar Memorial Tournament (MAMT) 2019.
“The growth of MAMT over the years has been incredible. Children and adults alike await in anticipation for this event and even plan holidays and weddings around it. The games are always played with the highest level of competition but in the spirit of unity and
brotherhood.”
Call for seniors
He called for more seniors to take part, and concluded: “Birmingham Jamaat has always been known for its hospitality and warm welcome and with the help of our selfless volunteers that we have been blessed with, we look forward to welcoming you all for
some outstanding matches and some great sessions of baraza.”
The Ladies MAMT committee said: “These annual tournaments have always been the platform to bring communities together in unity as well as to enjoy some healthy competition. This year, we hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable time with members of the other Jamaats.”
Participants should register by Sunday 14 July with their local Jamaat sport body. All Jamaats must confirm entries and submit final registrations by Sunday 21 July.