A file photo of Amir Cup trophy lifted by a winning team.

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The 63rd edition of the prestigious Amir Cup tournament kicks off today with two exciting preliminary round matches. Kazma will face Al-Jahra at 5:20 pm at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Stadium, while Al-Nasr will go head-to-head with Al-Yarmouk at 8:30 pm at Al-Sadaka and Al-Salam Stadium.

Action in the preliminary round continues tomorrow as Khaitan plays Al-Shabab, and Al-Salmiya takes on Al-Sahel. The round concludes the day after with Al-Fahaheel facing Al-Tadamon and powerhouse Kuwait Club meeting Al-Jazeera.

Due to Al-Qadsia's qualification for the Gulf Champions League final, the Kuwait Football Federation has postponed its match against Burgan to May 10. Additionally, the fixture between Al-Arabi and Al-Sulaibikhat has been postponed due to Al-Arabi’s participation in the AFC Challenge Cup.

Seven clubs have previously lifted the Amir Cup. Al-Qadsia leads with 17 titles, followed closely by Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club with 16 each. Kazma has won the trophy eight times, while Salmiya and Yarmouk have two titles apiece. Fahaheel has won once.

In today’s opener, Kazma aims to redeem itself after a disappointing Zain Premier League season that saw the club relegated to the Relegation League for a second consecutive year. The team hopes to replicate its recent Crown Prince Cup quarterfinal appearance.

Al-Jahra enters the match in high spirits, topping the Zain First Division League and having recently qualified for the Crown Prince Cup quarterfinals with a win over Al-Jazeera. The team also seeks to avenge a 7-3 loss to Kazma in their last meeting in the Relegation League.

In the evening clash, Al-Nasr and Al-Yarmouk renewed their rivalry after meeting twice in the league this season. The first encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, while Al-Nasr dominated the second with a 4-0 win. They are also set to meet again in the Relegation League on May 5.

Despite its recent head-to-head advantage, Al-Nasr is aiming to bounce back after a Crown Prince Cup exit. Meanwhile, Yarmouk, currently bottom of the league, is seeking a turnaround in cup competition, hoping to deliver a surprise despite its ongoing struggles.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff