The courts of the Gabode Sports Complex were alive with energy and emotion on Monday, as the final of Djibouti’s National Tennis Championship delivered a thrilling conclusion to a landmark tournament — held in parallel with the official naming of the venue in tribute to the late Mohamed Houmed Houssein, former president of the Djiboutian Tennis Federation (FDT).
The event marked a dual celebration: not only the crowning of new national champions, but also the honoring of a key figure in the nation’s sporting history.
The Centre de Gabode now bears the name of Houmed Houssein, a man credited with laying the foundations of modern tennis in Djibouti and nurturing generations of local talent.
In the presence of dignitaries, sports officials, and an enthusiastic crowd, the championship final unfolded as a fierce contest, showcasing both precision and athleticism from the competing players.
Spectators applauded every rally, every ace, and every moment of resilience displayed on court, underscoring the rising popularity of tennis in a country traditionally dominated by football and athletics.
The final itself served as a testament to the progress of the sport, reflecting years of development work led by the FDT.
In recent seasons, Djibouti has invested in coaching, youth outreach, and facilities — efforts now bearing fruit in the form of a younger, more competitive generation of players.
Officials took time during the closing ceremony to pay tribute to Mohamed Houmed Houssein’s legacy.
His commitment to inclusion, grassroots development, and international outreach were noted as cornerstones of the Federation’s current momentum.
As medals were awarded and the national anthem rang out across the complex, the atmosphere was one of both celebration and continuity — a signal that Djibouti’s tennis story, like the Centre de Gabode itself, continues to evolve with passion and purpose.
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