The most popular sport in Sudan is Football. Sudan has a
rich football history in Africa and has been champion of Africa Cup of Nations in 1970. The
two biggest football teams are Al-Merrikh and Al-Hilal. This reminds me of arch
rivals Mohan Bagan and East Bengal both from Kolkata back home in India.
In Sudan one of your identities are either you are a
supporter of Hilal or Merrikh. I am a fan of Merrikh mainly because the jersey
colours are same as my favourite East Bengal. I have watched Merrikh play Hilal
twice in Omdurman stadium. Dr. Omer Mohamed Khalid a famous Chest Physician in
Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan, is a staunch supporter of Merrikh. He once
met the President of Sudan, Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir. He knew
that the President is a supporter of Al-Hilal. Dr.Omer asked him why he was
wearing blue in support of Hilal. He said “You are the President and you should
be neutral”. The President replied to him saying that once Merrikh becomes a
champion the blue he is wearing will change to orange. This never happened even
though Merrikh has become the champion club of Sudan.
Dr. Omer Mohamed Khalid is also a poet. He wraps up his
regular health shows in popular Blue Nile TV with his own poem. He is a
celebrity thus I deserve a picture with the tall personality.
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