RIYADH: Princess Delayel bint Nahar Al-Saud hosted a medal ceremony for the winners of the swimming competitions at the 2023 Saudi Games on Wednesday.
The princess, who is the Games’ deputy director, was joined at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex by Patama Leeswadtrakul, who is a member of the International Olympic Committee, and Mona Shehab from the Saudi Swimming Federation.
The star of the women’s events was Imane Elbarodi of Al-Fateh club, who won gold in both the 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter breaststroke events. Halaa Diab from Al-Ahli club and Kawtar Elbarodi, also from Al-Fateh, took silver and bronze, respectively, in both races.
In the youth category, Nadine Abdallah of Al-Ahli took gold in the 50-meter freestyle race ahead of Mashael Alayed and Hana Shahhat.
In the youths’ 50-meter breaststroke, Solaf Elkemary of Al-Shabab won gold, beating Maryam Ahmed of A-ACWA and Mashael Al-Ayed of Al-Ettifaq.
Degnah tops climbers
Nidal Degnah took the individual gold medal in the men’s climbing competition at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.
Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, officiated at the medal ceremony, where Taher Al-Haddad took silver and Matteo Largo bronze.
In the women’s event, Sarah Al-Qunebit saw off all-comers to take the gold ahead of Rouwaida Al-Aroui and Lydia Karpova.
Hot shots bag medals
Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, vice president of the Saudi Shooting Federation, was in charge at the medal ceremony for some of the top shooters at this year’s Games.
The gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air pistol category, held at the City Public Security shooting range, went to Atallah Al-Enezie, with Muhammad Al-Maliki taking the silver and Salem Al-Mutairi the bronze.
Barghout beats them all
Omar Barghout was the star of the youth gymnastics event, taking gold in the all-around competition.
He held off the challenges of Khaled Al-Muzain from the Al-Ittifaq team and Al-Ittihad’s Faris Al-Harbi, who won silver and bronze, respectively.
The medals were presented by Sulaiman Mohamed Al-Jasser, chairman of the Saudi Gymnastic Federation.
Al-Hilal crowned men's volleyball winners
On Thursday evening, last year’s volleyball champions Al-Ahli lost the title race after Al-Hilal beat them (1-3) in the final match at the Ministry of Sports Hall at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex. Al-Ahli had a straight-sets win over Al-Ittihad in the semifinals. Meanwhile, this year’s gold medal winners Al-Hilal beat Al-Nassr in their semifinals.
In the women’s event, Al-Nasr won the gold medal after beating Al-Hilal in the final (3-0).
Al-Ettifaq triumph in esports
Al-Ettifaq have been crowned kings of the gamers after seeing off Triple eSport and Quest Esports in the esports competition at Saudi Media City.
Princess Sara bint Faisal Al-Saud, deputy chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, presided over the medal ceremony.
Masters of martial arts
General Shaddad Al-Omari, president of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation, was on hand at King Saud University to present the medals to the winners in this year’s taekwondo competition.
In the over-80 kg category, Ali Al-Mabrouk of Al-Shabab took gold, with Al-Faraa’s Aaron Cook taking silver and Majed Al-Salim of Al-Ittihad and Yatherb Ali of Al-Fra both winning bronze.
In the under-80 kg event, Al-Shabab’s Ahmed Abu Ghaush took gold after beating Faisal Ali from Abha. Mohamed Al-Suwaiq of Al-Shabab and Mohamed Khayyat from the Falcons each won bronze.
Hasham bin Dookhy emerged as champion in the under-68 kg category, ahead of Rayan Al-Taifi from Al-Ittihad. Abdel Baset Abu Talib of Al-Nahda and Ahmed Al-Khawaher from Al-Salam both took bronze.
In the under-58 kg division, Riyad Hamdi won gold while Abdul-Ilah Asiri from Abha took silver. Fahd Al-Sameeh and Abdul Majeed bin Mughaisib, both youths, took home a bronze medal.
Riyadh derby treat
The Riyadh derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal in the Saudi Professional League was broadcast live to spectators on giant screens at the Saudi Games fan zone.
Visitors to the zone were also treated to live entertainment, children’s play areas and two DJ platforms.
Al-Khawahir lifts herself to the top
A year on from winning bronze at the 2022 Games, Fatemah Al-Khawaher from Al-Salam club rose to the pinnacle of her sport on Sunday, taking gold in the 59 kg weight category.
Guided by former champion and national coach Abbas Al-Qaisoum, the 22-year-old took the top prize lifting just 1 kg more than her nearest rival.
“I experienced remarkable moments that fueled my determination and resilience,” she said. “I achieved what I had worked tirelessly for during these past 15 months. I brought pride and joy to my family, supporters and my club.”
