Saudi Sports for All Federation signs deal with Saudi Awwal Bank to back Riyadh Marathon

SFA Managing Director Shaima Al-Husseini and Omar Battiah, head of the bank’s marketing and customer experience department, signed the deal. (SPA)
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SFA Managing Director Shaima Al-Husseini and Omar Battiah, head of the bank’s marketing and customer experience department, signed the deal. (SPA)
SFA Managing Director Shaima Al-Husseini and Omar Battiah, head of the bank’s marketing and customer experience department, signed the deal. (SPA)
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SFA Managing Director Shaima Al-Husseini and Omar Battiah, head of the bank’s marketing and customer experience department, signed the deal. (SPA)
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Updated 10 February 2024
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Saudi Sports for All Federation signs deal with Saudi Awwal Bank to back Riyadh Marathon

Saudi Sports for All Federation signs deal with Saudi Awwal Bank to back Riyadh Marathon

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports for All Federation has signed a partnership agreement which enables Saudi Awwal Bank to be the presenting partner at the Riyadh Marathon, which takes place on Saturday.

Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, SFA’s managing director, and Omar Battiah, the head of the bank’s marketing and customer experience department, signed the agreement at the federation’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Al-Husseini said that the federation, through the partnership, hopes to contribute to the success of the sporting event while supporting the participation of everyone in community sports programs and events.

 

 

Battiah said that the agreement came as a result of the belief in the role of community sports in enhancing the health of society, while indicating that the partnership reflected the bank’s commitment to the importance of sports and their role in improving the quality of life for all.

He said the partnership also adhered to the objectives of the SFA to help to motivate sections of society and encourage the community to practice physical activities through innovative programs and initiatives, as part of the aims of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to raise the rate of exercise among members of society.

Riyadh hosts the third edition of the marathon on Saturday. It is a professional event with the backing of both Asian and international athletics organizations.

It is considered one of the most prestigious sporting events organized by the SFA and represents a milestone in the federation’s journey toward encouraging more people to take up sports and physical exercise.

The Riyadh Marathon last year saw more than 15,000 participants from more than 120 countries.


Pakistan announce squad for first Bangladesh Test after injury rules out Aamir Jamal

Pakistan announce squad for first Bangladesh Test after injury rules out Aamir Jamal
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Pakistan announce squad for first Bangladesh Test after injury rules out Aamir Jamal

Pakistan announce squad for first Bangladesh Test after injury rules out Aamir Jamal
  • The two-match series is part of World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth in the current nine-team table
  • Bangladesh, which rank eighth, will be hoping to overturn their no-win record against Pakistan, having lost 12 of 13 Tests

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced 11-member Pakistan squad for the first of two Tests against Bangladesh, after injury ruled out all-rounder Aamir Jamal.
Bangladesh begin a two-Test series in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by political turmoil at home.
The first Test match between Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan will commence from 21 August at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
“Aamir is recovering from a back injury which he sustained while playing county cricket this year,” the PCB said as it announced the 11-member squad.
Aamir, who was earlier included in the squad subject to fitness clearance, has been advised to work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
Bangladesh got some reprieve after the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to arrive four days early to make up for their lack of preparations.
The tourists will be hoping to overturn their no-win record against Pakistan, having lost 12 of the 13 Tests, with just one draw.
The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth in the current nine-team table and Bangladesh eighth.
The second Test — both matches moved to Rawalpindi because of construction work at Karachi stadium — will be played from August 30.
Pakistan squad for first Test against Bangladesh:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi


New era for Bangladesh and Pakistan ahead of first Test

New era for Bangladesh and Pakistan ahead of first Test
Updated 19 August 2024
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New era for Bangladesh and Pakistan ahead of first Test

New era for Bangladesh and Pakistan ahead of first Test
  • Bangladesh begin two-Test series this week with preparations severely hampered by political turmoil at home 
  • Test series is part of World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth in the current nine-team table

KARACHI: Bangladesh begin a two-Test series in Pakistan this week with their preparations severely hampered by the political turmoil that has wracked the country.
Unrest that led to the overthrow of prime minister Sheikh Hasina kept the team’s foreign coaches indoors, strictly following adviseries from their embassies, while mass protests stopped the team from assembling for practice sessions.
The make-up of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is also up in the air, after president Nazmul Hassan fled the country due to his association with Hasina.
Cricket and politics go hand-in-hand in Bangladesh, but ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan — a member of the now-dissolved parliament for Hasina’s party — is being allowed to feature in the Pakistan series by the interim government.
“Because of the situation it was not possible to practice,” spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed told reporters.
The tourists got some reprieve after the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to arrive four days early to make up for their lack of preparations.
A second-string Bangladesh team — with six players included from the national team — had already been playing practice games in Islamabad since August 10.
To add to Bangladesh’s problems, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has been ruled out of the first Test with a groin strain, but senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover in time from a finger injury.
Bangladesh will be hoping hope to overturn their no-win record against Pakistan, having lost 12 of the 13 Tests, with just one draw.
The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan sixth in the current nine-team table and Bangladesh eighth.
The second Test — both matches moved to Rawalpindi because of construction work at Karachi stadium — will be played from August 30.
Following a 3-0 rout in Australia earlier this year, Pakistan brought in former Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie as Test coach, while Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough was hired to improve the standard of pitches.
Having released their only spinner, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan will enter the Test with an all-pace attack — a ploy they last used five years ago against Sri Lanka at the same venue.
Bangladesh, however, will rely on spin with Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) all included.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood refused to accept the Bangladesh team is under-prepared.
“You expect all international Test sides to come into a series well prepared and trying to play their best cricket,” he told AFP.
“Bangladesh is a side that has quality players in all departments and we highly respect the challenges they bring as a side to us.”
Masood also hopes Pakistan will show improvement under the new coach.
“We are excited to see how they (coaches) help us to be better people, better cricketers and — most importantly — be among the top teams in the world.”
Teams (from):
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed


First edition of Red Sea Marathon announced for early 2025

First edition of Red Sea Marathon announced for early 2025
Updated 19 August 2024
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First edition of Red Sea Marathon announced for early 2025

First edition of Red Sea Marathon announced for early 2025
  • Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation announced the race in Jeddah will take place on Jan. 18 next year

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation has revealed the details of the first edition of the Red Sea Marathon set to take place in Jeddah on Jan. 18, 2025.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Jeddah, during which the federation said it expected 10,000 local and international runners to take part in the race.

The briefing was attended by Habib bin Ali Al-Rabaan, president of SAAF; Badr Al-Shibani, managing director at organizing agency Sports Hub; and Dr. Roberto Magaraggia, chairman of the marathon’s technical committee and vice president of the organizing committee.

According to Al-Shibani, four categories will be available for participants: the full marathon (42.2 km) for professional and amateur runners, a half marathon (21.1 km) for avid runners, a 10-km race for those aged 17 and above, and a 4-km race for beginners and children.

Once registration is finalized, SAAF will invite some of the world’s top marathon runners — women and men — to participate in the “elite field.”

He said: “I am sure the people of Jeddah will be glad to see such big names.”

The federation also revealed that, in partnership with Sports Hub, it intends to host the full marathon on an annual basis. A significant prize purse will be allocated for the winning professional runners, which should attract a large number of elite international and regional athletes, including many of Saudi Arabia’s own.

Al-Rabaan added: “We are excited to play a part in bringing such an iconic event to Jeddah.

“Our partnership with the Sports Hub is built on a shared commitment to elevating the health and well-being of individuals and embodies our dedication to supporting the communities in which we operate.

“It may be the first of its kind in Jeddah, but it will be another great marathon among established international marathons,” he said.

Al-Shibani noted that January is an ideal month to host the Red Sea Marathon due to the cool weather conditions expected at that time of year, especially at night.

Furthermore, he said that the marathon is expected to generate many benefits for Jeddah, promoting the city’s sporting resources, as well as having a positive economic impact on local hotels, restaurants, airlines, transportation providers, and other commercial entities.

Magaraggia said the marathon route for the Red Sea Marathon is a spectacular and challenging circular course.

“The running route, which runs along the beautiful corniche, meets the standards of the International Marathon Association,” he said.


3 new champions crowned on Esports World Cup’s ‘Super Sunday’

3 new champions crowned on Esports World Cup’s ‘Super Sunday’
Updated 19 August 2024
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3 new champions crowned on Esports World Cup’s ‘Super Sunday’

3 new champions crowned on Esports World Cup’s ‘Super Sunday’
  • Atlanta FaZe win ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,’ Jafonso claims ‘EA Sports FC 24’ and Clem triumphs in ‘StarCraft II’ at Boulevard Riyadh City

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup’s “Super Sunday” of grand finals yesterday, on the penultimate weekend in Riyadh, had Jafonso claiming “EA Sports FC 24” gold, Atlanta FaZe blasting their way to “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” success, and Clem earning “StarCraft II” glory.

The Esports World Cup kicked off on July 3 and has hosted 22 tournaments across 21 titles.

Jafonso, whose real name is Joao Vasconcelos, said: “This is a dream come true. I was feeling really confident heading into the latter stages of this tournament and I’ve always believed that I could be a world champion.

“To achieve this goal here at the first-ever Esports World Cup is unbelievable — it’s the culmination of years of hard work.”

Jafonso was representing Luna Galaxy in the “EA Sports FC 24” competition — the Portuguese esports organization owned by Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Joto.

In the aftermath of his victory, Jafonso revealed that he spoke with the football icon: “Diogo video-called to say ‘well done’ and congratulate me — I want to say a very special ‘thank you’ to Diogo for the opportunity to represent this team.

“He’s been very supportive ever since I joined Luna Galaxy, for which I’m very grateful. Hopefully we can achieve more great things moving forward.”

The Esports World Cup has the largest tournament prize pool in history, with $60 million on offer.

Luna Galaxy’s win earned them $300,000 from the tournament’s $1 million prize pool, while Atlanta FaZe took $600,000 from the $1.8 million pot. Atlanta FaZe defeated 100 Thieves 4-2 in the “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” final.

Drazah, whose real name is Zack Jordan, said: “What makes FaZe so special is our talent. We have the best person in each role in the world. We have real talent.

“We just get out there, talk to each other and we have trust in each other. It really shows that we can trust each other in the biggest moments. That’s why we won. It’s really just using our talents and playing together and showing why we’re the best.”

Cellium, whose real name is McArthur Jovel, said: “This tournament has been amazing. I feel just like being here at this tournament and seeing how amazing it is, that’s never something I thought I’d be able to do in gaming.”

In the “StarCraft II” final, Team Liquid player Clem whitewashed Serral from BASILISK 5-0 in the best-of-nine clash in what the French champion declared was “definitely the best moment” of his career.

Clem, who earned $400,000 from the tournament’s $1 million prize pool, said: “It still feels like a dream to me. For ‘StarCraft II,’ it’s the world championship.

“If you win this, people call you a world champion. It’s the biggest tournament of the year, the most important one. That felt very special for me because it is the one everyone is looking forward to and trying to qualify for and win.”

Week-eight competition in the Esports World Cup begins on Wednesday at Boulevard Riyadh City with “TEKKEN 8” and “PUBG Battlegrounds” action. The “ESL” and “Rocket League” contests begin on Thursday.

The “PUBG Battlegrounds” final is on Saturday, with the other three tournaments’ grand finals on Sunday.


Brooks Koepka wins LIV Golf Greenbrier in a playoff over Rahm

Brooks Koepka wins LIV Golf Greenbrier in a playoff over Rahm
Updated 19 August 2024
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Brooks Koepka wins LIV Golf Greenbrier in a playoff over Rahm

Brooks Koepka wins LIV Golf Greenbrier in a playoff over Rahm
  • Koepka also won LIV Golf Singapore this year. He picked up his fifth career victory since the Saudi-funded league began in June 2022

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Virginia: Brooks Koepka picked up his second LIV Golf League victory of the year Sunday when he shot 7-under 73 at The Greenbrier and beat Jon Rahm with a par on the first playoff hole.
Rahm, who lost a four-shot lead on the back nine at the Olympics two weeks ago, started the third and final round with a two-shot lead and closed with a 65. He birdied two of his last three holes to match Koepka at 19-under 191 and force a playoff.
In the playoff at the par-3 18th, Rahm went over the green and into the bunker, a tough shot in which one one foot was in the sand. He blasted out to about 25 feet, and his par putt to extend the playoff caught the edge of the cup.
Koepka also won LIV Golf Singapore this year. He picked up his fifth career victory since the Saudi-funded league began in June 2022.
Jason Kokrak shot 63 to finish alone in third.
Richard Bland, the 51-year-old from England who won two senior majors this year, needed a birdie on the 18th to tie for the lead. He made bogey for a 65 and finished two behind.
Koepka’s four-man squad, Smash, won the team title by three shots.