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Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah

Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah
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Saudi athletes bagged 55 medals during the West Asian Paralympic Games, which concluded in Sharjah on Friday. (Supplied)
Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah
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Saudi athletes bagged 55 medals during the West Asian Paralympic Games, which concluded in Sharjah on Friday. (Supplied)
Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah
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Saudi athletes bagged 55 medals during the West Asian Paralympic Games, which concluded in Sharjah on Friday. (Supplied)
Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah
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Saudi athletes bagged 55 medals during the West Asian Paralympic Games, which concluded in Sharjah on Friday. (Supplied)
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Updated 03 February 2024
Arab News
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Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah

Saudi athletes take home 55 medals from West Asian Paralympic Games in Sharjah
  • Three medals added on final day to bring Kingdom’s tally to 17 gold, 23 silver and 15 bronze in sports including table tennis, goalball and wheelchair basketball.
  • The 7-day event featured competitors from 11 countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon
Updated 03 February 2024
Arab News
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SHARJAH: Saudi athletes bagged 55 medals during the West Asian Paralympic Games, which concluded in Sharjah on Friday.
Three more medals were added on the final day to bring the Kingdom’s final tally to 17 gold, 23 silver and 15 bronze in sports including table tennis, goalball and wheelchair basketball.
In the table tennis mixed doubles, Galia Al-Anzi and Ibrahim Al-Hassan took silver after losing to Iraq 2-3, following a 3-0 victory over Jordan.
In goalball, a sport for visually impaired athletes, the Saudi team won bronze with a 12-8 win over Qatar in the third-place play-off. The Kingdom’s wheelchair basketball team defeated Bahrain 57-42 to also take bronze. In the over-107 kg category of the weightlifting competition, Khalid Al-Najim lifted 211 kg to secure bronze.
The Saudi para athletics team won 34 medals: 11 gold, 14 silver and nine bronze. The table tennis team grabbed nine medals in total (three gold, four silver and two bronze). In boccia, a sport for people with cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions, the Kingdom won seven medals (three gold, three silver and one bronze), while its badminton players took home two silver medals. Saudis also won a bronze medal in each of goalball, wheelchair basketball and weightlifting.
The 4th West Asian Paralympic Games began on Jan. 27 and featured competitors from 11 countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Iraq finished in first place, the UAE in second, Saudi Arabia in the third place and Bahrain in fourth.

Topics: Saudi athletes West Asian Paralympic Games

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Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
Updated 28 October 2024
Abdullah Al-Hazza
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Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond

Mixed martial arts is ‘the sport of our era’ in the Kingdom and beyond
  • Abdullah Al-Hazza, CEO of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation, writes for Arab News about the sport’s rapid growth in the country
  • Saudi Arabia recently held the globally successful PFL MENA’s ‘Battle of the Giants’ event in Riyadh featuring Francis Ngannou
Updated 28 October 2024
Abdullah Al-Hazza

RIYADH: When Francis Ngannou said Saudi Arabia felt like “family” after his historic Professional Fighters League’s “Battle of the Giants” victory over Renan Ferreira in Riyadh recently, it made me feel very proud.

I was proud that one of the greatest fighters in our sport has such love for this country, which is certainly reciprocated. And that the work we are doing to promote MMA across the Kingdom is bearing fruit.

Ngannou is aware of what we as a federation are doing, and he understands how passionate people are for MMA in Saudi Arabia. He wants to play his part in the growth of what we all believe is the sport of our era.

There has been a 21 percent increase in MMA participation this year from last year across Saudi Arabia — which includes not just fighters and athletes of various ages, but also coaches, referees and judges.

This is evidence of an MMA ecosystem in place, which we are constantly trying to expand and enhance.

With six PFL events in 2024, including three pay-per-views, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its role as a leading destination for major MMA competitions, while increasing awareness and excitement for the sport among our local population.

Since the federation’s inception in 2018, Saudi Arabia’s MMA fighters have won 35 medals — 19 gold, three silver and 13 bronze — in various international competitions. This includes world, Asia and other international championships.

We have three undefeated fighters in the PFL with Malik Basahel (3-0), Mostafa Nada (2-0) and Hattan Al-Saif (2-0). In addition, Abdullah Al-Qahtani has a 4-1 record. Overall, Saudi Arabia fighters now have a 11-1 record in reputable organizations such as the PFL.

There is also the financial aspect of MMA. Saudi Arabia has been highly successful in utilizing the sports industry as a catalyst for economic and social development.

This has connected us with global communities, attracted inward investment, contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, created jobs, and, essentially, encouraged healthy lifestyles.

We recognize the opportunities that MMA provides and our responsibility as a federation, working with relevant partners such as the Ministry of Sport, to ensure they are fully realized. Securing sponsorships for the programs we have created is but one example of this in action.

The next big international MMA event in Saudi Arabia takes place on Nov. 29 when Riyadh hosts the 2024 PFL finals.

The event will be held outside the US for the first time, with the federation, ministry, and the global PFL organization in charge of its management.

There is a $6-million prize pool, with $1 million awarded to each winner of the six main fights across various weight classes.

For us as Saudi Arabia citizens, however, perhaps the most exciting part is the inaugural Middle East and North Africa PFL finals, where Al-Saif will make history as the first woman from this nation to compete in a global PFL event.

The promotion of MMA among women is an integral part of what we do as a federation. We have organized two championships for women, and now have an increasing number of women fighters, coaches, referees and judges participating.

This means, I can assure everyone, that while Al-Saif is on an exciting journey, she is the first of many to come.

Speaking of which, I am often asked by members of the media if there will ever be a Saudi Arabian Francis Ngannou — an elite, world champion from the Kingdom.

My answer is always the same: there will be. It is only a matter of time, and when it happens, I will be justifiably proud because of all the work we have put into this endeavor.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Saudi sport Martial Arts

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Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in epic Six Kings Slam final, cementing a fierce rivalry

Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in epic Six Kings Slam final, cementing a fierce rivalry
Updated 20 October 2024
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
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Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in epic Six Kings Slam final, cementing a fierce rivalry

Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in epic Six Kings Slam final, cementing a fierce rivalry
  • Sinner’s triumph in Riyadh cements his position as the world’s top player, but with Alcaraz close behind, their rivalry is expected to dominate the sport for years to come
  • This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz is already being compared to some of tennis's great rivalries, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer
Updated 20 October 2024
MANAL AL-BARAKATI

RIYADH: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner triumphed in a hard-fought battle against World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, winning 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 to claim the $6 million prize. 

This encounter further established their rivalry, one of the most exciting in men’s tennis today.

From the outset, both players displayed incredible shot-making and court coverage. Alcaraz’s explosive backhand and Sinner’s powerful forehand kept the first set finely balanced, with each player trading deep, penetrating groundstrokes.

The two battled to a 5-5 tie before Alcaraz edged out Sinner in a tense tiebreaker, 7-6(5), using his superior net play and deft touch to take the set. The crowd roared with every baseline rally, as each point saw both players stretch their limits.

Sinner came back stronger in the second set, adjusting his tactics by stepping inside the baseline and dictating points with his forehand. He broke Alcaraz early, using consistent, flat strokes and deep returns to pin the Spaniard back. 

Alcaraz fought back with several blistering backhands, narrowing the score to 3-2, but Sinner’s relentless pressure saw him secure the second set 6-3, capitalizing on Alcaraz's unforced errors in crucial moments.

In the final set, both players showcased their fierce competitiveness, exchanging powerful serves and cross-court winners. They were level at 3-3 when Sinner’s aggressive play—marked by precision serves and sharp angles—allowed him to break Alcaraz’s serve at a pivotal moment. 

As the match progressed, Sinner’s depth and control of the rallies wore down his opponent, giving him a 5-3 lead. He sealed the victory with a perfectly placed forehand winner down the line, ending a dramatic contest.

This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz is already being compared to some of tennis's great rivalries, including Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. Djokovic himself remarked, "They’re pushing each other just like I did with Nadal and Federer," highlighting how their fierce competition is elevating the level of men's tennis.

Sinner’s triumph in Riyadh cements his position as the world’s top player, but with Alcaraz close behind, their rivalry is expected to dominate the sport for years to come. 

Their frequent encounters, filled with high-octane tennis, have created a dynamic that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats for the foreseeable future.
 

Topics: Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Six Kings Slam

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Archery, chess, squash and handball competitions conclude on closing day of 2024 Saudi Games

Archery, chess, squash and handball competitions conclude on closing day of 2024 Saudi Games
Updated 17 October 2024
Arab News
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Archery, chess, squash and handball competitions conclude on closing day of 2024 Saudi Games

Archery, chess, squash and handball competitions conclude on closing day of 2024 Saudi Games
  • Omar Hossam Al-Saqqa and Lina Al-Munajim take gold in men’s and women’s archery; Hisham Abdulrahman and Alaa Jamal make all the right moves in chess
  • Abdulrahman Mostafa wins men’s squash; in handball, Al-Huda clinch gold in men’s event and Al-Noor triumph in youth competition
Updated 17 October 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: The 2024 Saudi Games drew to a close on Thursday with the conclusions of the archery, chess, squash and handball competitions.
In the men’s archery event at the Riyadh Club, the gold medal went to Omar Hossam Al-Saqqa of Al-Intilaq. Abdulaziz Al-Kurbi of Al-Thuqbah and clubmate Fares Mater Al-Otaibi won silver and bronze respectively.
In the women’s competition, Lina Al-Munajim of Najd claimed the gold medal, Aisha Al-Ali of Al-Farouq grabbed the silver and Hessa Al-Suraie of Najd the bronze.
In the men’s chess, which took place in the sports hall of Al-Riyadh Club, Hisham Abdulrahman won the gold medal, Ahmed Al-Samhouri the silver and Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ruhaili the bronze. In the women’s event, Alaa Jamal grabbed gold, Hala Hassan took silver and Adeem Al-Dosari bronze.
Abdulrahman Mostafa of Al-Hilal won the gold medal in the men’s squash, while Mohammed Al-Nasfan of Al-Safa and Abdulaziz Aburwaqa of Al-Hilal earned silver and bronze respectively.
In the men’s handball competition, Al-Huda clinched gold with a 27-26 victory over Al-Khaleej in extra time in the final. Al-Safa defeated Al-Noor 36-30 in the third-place playoff to claim the bronze. In the men’s youth competition, Al-Noor defeated Al-Khaleej 33-31 in the final to win gold. Mudhar took the bronze with a 47-30 victory over Al-Wehda.

Topics: Saudi Games 2024 Archery chess

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ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition

ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition
Updated 11 October 2024
Arab News
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ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition

ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition
  • ESL FACEIT Group announces first-ever exclusive tournament for Saudi Arabia, kicking off on Oct. 18
Updated 11 October 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group has announced the launch of the ESL Saudi Challenge, the first-ever ESL tournament exclusively for the Saudi gaming community.

Starting on Oct. 18 with Overwatch 2 as the featured game, the event will provide a unique opportunity for local talent to compete on the global stage.

Running until Dec. 7, it will see Saudi’s top teams battle for a share of a $20,000 prize pool. The competition begins with three open tournaments hosted on the FACEIT platform, with the top two teams from each securing a playoff place. These will join two invited teams in an intense double-elimination showdown, culminating in a thrilling final at VOV Gaming in Riyadh.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a tournament — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for esports in Saudi Arabia,” said Franck Guignery, ESL FACEIT Group’s senior vice president for the Middle East & Africa region.

“By featuring Overwatch 2 and providing a pathway to international competition, we’re offering Saudi esports enthusiasts a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Whether you’re an aspiring esports player, a professional player or a fan, this is your chance to be part of the action and witness the rise of local talent.”

ESL FACEIT Group is the world's largest esports and video game entertainment company. In January 2022 it was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is 100 percent owned by the country's Public Investment Fund, for $1.5 billion. ESL FACEIT Group has been appointed the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years.

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Fahd Al-Harbi retains skeet shooting title at Saudi Games

Fahd Al-Harbi retains skeet shooting title at Saudi Games
Updated 09 October 2024
Arab News
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Fahd Al-Harbi retains skeet shooting title at Saudi Games

Fahd Al-Harbi retains skeet shooting title at Saudi Games
  • Mohammed Al-Khamshi takes silver, Saeed Al-Mutairi bronze
  • Weightlifter Siraj Al-Sulaim wins gold in men’s 67 kg division
Updated 09 October 2024
Arab News

RIYADH: Fahd Al-Harbi successfully defended his skeet shooting title at the Saudi Games on Wednesday, the final day of the shooting events at the Public Security Training City.
Mohammed Al-Khamshi and Saeed Al-Mutairi took silver and bronze, respectively.
Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Musaad, vice president of the Saudi Shooting Federation, handed out the medals after five days of fierce competition. Maj. Gen. Nasser bin Othman Al-Nasser, assistant director of public security for training affairs, also attended the medals ceremony.
In the weightlifting competition, Saudi Weightlifting Federation President Mohammed Al-Harbi crowned the winners of the youth, women’s and men’s competitions, in three weight categories at Boulevard 4.
The medals ceremony was also attended by Antonio Conflitti, president of the European Weightlifting Federation, and Khaled Mhalhel, president of the African Weightlifting Federation.
Al-Ula Club’s Siraj Al-Sulaim won gold in the men’s 67 kg category, while Nawaf Al-Muzaidi of Al-Tarf took the silver and Mansour Al-Sulaim of Al-Ula the bronze.
In the youth’s 55 kg category, Mohammed Al-Ajyan of Al-Huda Club took the gold, ahead of Al-Omran’s Hassan Al-Wubari and Reda Al-Zori of Al-Noor.
In the women’s 59 kg category, English Kimloni of Al-Ittihad won the gold medal, Jannah Al-Amari of Jeddah Club took silver and Al-Anoud Al-Shahri of Al-Tarf took the bronze.
They were awarded their medals by Fawzia Hobani, a board member of the Saudi Weightlifting Federation.

Topics: Saudi Games 2024 Saudi Shooting Federation

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