16 INDONESIA Until 1965, the Arab Games regulations allowed countries that were not members of the Arab League to participate. Many countries that had Islamic or Muslim traditions, such as Indonesia, were specially invited for the Games held on Egyptian soil. Indonesia participated in the Arab Games of 1953 and 1965. In 1953, three Indonesian athletes competed in athletics, fencing and shooting, one in each sport. In the end they left with a surprising two medals in their hands. The Indonesian heroes were called Superman, the fencer, who won the silver medal in the sabre competition; and Sodarmojo, who received the silver medal after clearing 1.88m in the high-jump event.
Program from the first Arab Games 1953 © EOC
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ARAB SPORTS
Cité Sportive Camille Chamoun Stadium in Beirut © Arab Image Foundation