The Pan Arab Games 11th edition kicks-off on Sunday in Egypt amid concerns over whether the competition will prove to be a success or not. Several countries either sent second-string sides or declined to show up, notably in football, handball and volleyball. In football, only Saudi Arabia and Egypt will play with full-strength squads. Kuwait's situation is not yet clear but they previously hinted they would bring senior members. Palestine are not likely to be granted a permission by Israeli authorities to travel to Egypt while Sudan will be represented by its Olympic team. UAE will play with second-fiddle players as the first-team are busy due to World Cup qualifiers action. So are Yemen. In handball, several countries skipped the Arab Games, prompting the organizing committee to make it just one group instead of their initial plan to divide the teams on two groups. In volleyball, which has already started, Tunisia came with a second-string squad. With just few hours before the starting day, Cairo, where the opening ceremony takes place, seems unconcerned over the huge event. Egypt's most popular side Ahli lost the African Champions League at home on Friday and sports fans are still in shock. Fears have been rife that matches would be played in empty stadiums. The tournament will feature 33 sports in addition to four handicapped games. The games will be played in 30 stadiums in Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Ismailia, Asiout, Aswan and North Sinai.
