Al-Aisar, The Most Prominent Basketball Star Who Passed Away

PortSudan(Sudanow)- Sudanese basketball and sports have lost one of its most loyal pillars, the late Captain Mohamed Ali Al-Aisar. He served the sport as a player, coach, and administrator with dedication and loyalty. Distinguished by his high level and noble character, he was one of the stars of the top teams, Al-Merreikh and Al-Hilal. He became the captain of the Sudanese national basketball team and led the military team. Later, he worked as a coach for the national team and then as the president of the Khartoum Basketball Federation. Official, public, and popular circles, including the Sovereignty Council, the Olympic Committee, the Basketball Federation, Al-Hilal Club, and basketball fans, have mourned his passing.

Al-Aisar significantly contributed to Sudan's victory in the Arab Championship in Kuwait in 1975. He was inducted into the Sudanese Armed Forces' military sports department and became the captain of the military team. He later became the head of the Khartoum local basketball federation, a member of the general federation, and represented the basketball federation on the Olympic committee's board of directors for multiple terms. He greatly contributed to promoting basketball performance.

Mahmoud Al-Sir, Secretary of the Sudanese Olympic Committee and one of Al-Aisar's close acquaintances, said: "He was a man of knowledge and good character. He witnessed talented players who formed the most beautiful scenes in the Arab world. They were on the verge of more external championships, but the shift to mass sports hindered progress. Nonetheless, Al-Aisar continued to support basketball until his passing."
Al-Aisar topped the list of top scorers in African championships and was selected for the African team to represent the continent globally. The late player shone alongside his teammates Khames Gildigoun, Michael Benjamin, Mohamed Jarro, and Ahmed Khames. During that period, other talented players emerged, such as the multi-talented player William Andrea, a guitar player and visual artist, adding to the long list of talented individuals in various fields that Sudan was rich in. Al-Aisar later became an inspiring coach and experienced administrator, symbolizing Sudanese basketball in its golden era. He dedicated his life to serving the sport and worked tirelessly to develop it.

To get to know more about the late Al-Aisar, Mohamed Diaa El-Din, Secretary of the Basketball Federation, described him as an unparalleled player, a towering coach, and an exceptional administrator. He dedicated his life to serving and developing basketball. Al-Aisar was loved by everyone; he had a bright, smiling face, a light-hearted personality with a sense of humor, and humble behavior. His good character shone through in all situations, and he was dedicated to serving his country. Whether in his military uniform at the sports department, he exuded energy and had a stern demeanor.

Sports journalist Mohamed Daqli, who is interested in sports activities, shared his memories of the late Mohamed Ali Al-Aisar. Daqli had conducted several interviews with Al-Aisar for Al-Merreikh newspaper, on Youth and Sports Radio, and with several Al-Merreikh players, including Wander Buthdio, Michael Benjamin, and Salah Reda, before they joined Al-Hilal Club along with Salah Reda, Michael, Ahmed Khames, Ahmed Jarro, and Khames Gildigoun. Daqli described them as giants of basketball in Sudan. He expressed his hopes for the return of those glories by taking specific technical and administrative steps and overcoming current challenges by enhancing training programs, external participation, supporting the basketball federation, and searching for talents like Al-Aisar and his peers.

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