Basra, January 06 (QNA) - The 25th Arabian Gulf Cup Championship (Gulf 25) started Friday evening at Basra International Stadium and will run through Jan. 19.

At the opening ceremony of the tournament, light shows were presented telling the history and heritage of Basra and Iraq, in addition to mixed acts and a display of the participating nations' flags. The ceremony also touched on the cohesion between the Gulf countries and their common history.

The ceremony started with the 'Gulf Operetta', which was performed by a selection of Iraqi singers, followed by a duo performance by Iraq's Husam Al Rassam and Rahma Riyad.

At the end of the ceremony, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani greeted the tournament guests and announced the beginning of Gulf 25.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino and HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joan bin Hamad Al-hani attended the opening ceremony along with President of Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and Qatar Football Association HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani and a lineup of Arab and Gulf football and sports officials.

The eight national teams competing for the Gulf 25 title were divided into two groups, the first comprises Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen, while the second group comprises Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Gulf 25 also marks the return of the celebrated tournament to Iraq, 44 years after it hosted the inaugural Arabian Gulf Cup in 1979. (QNA)