Saudi Sports for All Federation, ASICS Arabia sign partnership/node/2462181/sport
Saudi Sports for All Federation, ASICS Arabia sign partnership
The Saudi Sports for All Federation announced on Sunday that it had signed a partnership with the Middle East arm of Japanese sportswear brand ASICS. (Supplied/SFA)
Saudi Sports for All Federation, ASICS Arabia sign partnership
ASICS Arabia will serve as a strategic partner for two SFA events and will play a prominent role as a key sponsor of the Riyadh Marathon
Updated 18 February 2024
Arab News
LONDON: The Saudi Sports for All Federation announced on Sunday that it had signed a partnership with the Middle East arm of Japanese sportswear brand ASICS.
Saleh Al-Husseini, the SFA’s managing director, and Seiji Hori, ASICS Arabia general manager, signed the agreement at a ceremony in Riyadh.
Under the terms of the agreement, ASICS Arabia will serve as a strategic partner for two SFA events and will play a prominent role as a key sponsor of the Riyadh Marathon.
The partnership follows a visit by SFA members to Japan, where they engaged with sports organizations, met representatives of ASICS at its international headquarters, and learned about innovative technologies at the ASICS Institute of Sports Science, the federation said in a statement.
During that trip, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two parties, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
The Riyadh Marathon takes place annually every February, and will now include ASICS as an official sportswear brand. (Supplied/SFA)
The Riyadh Marathon takes place annually every February, and will now include ASICS as an official sportswear brand.
All participants will receive an ASICS performance running top designed with recycled materials, highlighting the brand’s ongoing sustainability drive.
Other SFA events and campaigns, at national and community levels, will be scheduled throughout the year.
“The SFA is honored to collaborate with ASICS Arabia as a strategic partner. This collaboration marks the beginning of a dynamic relationship aimed at building key events and supporting different sports initiatives,” Al-Husseini said.
“We believe this partnership will not only take our events to the next level but continue to position Saudi Arabia as a global sporting destination.”
Hori said: “ASICS Arabia is proud to collaborate with the SFA as a strategic partner. We see this as the beginning of a dynamic partnership, helping to build key events and support different sports initiatives.
“This collaboration will not only develop physical and mental well-being in the Kingdom but encourage everyone to become a Lifetime Athlete, in line with our company’s Sound Mind Sound Body philosophy.”
Waring holds one-shot Abu Dhabi lead as McIlroy struggles
Updated 6 sec ago
A day after setting a course record 61, the 39-year-old Waring was the only player among the top-29 on the leaderboard to post an over-par score for a total 18-under par 198 Fast-rising Dane Niklas Norgaard Moller hit a third round 69 to cut Waring’s five-shot overnight lead
ABU DHABI: England’s Paul Waring shot a one-over par 73 and held a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Saturday as Ireland’s Rory McIlroy continued to struggle. A day after setting a course record 61, the 39-year-old Waring was the only player among the top-29 on the leaderboard to post an over-par score for a total 18-under par 198. Fast-rising Dane Niklas Norgaard Moller hit a third round 69 to cut Waring’s five-shot overnight lead. World number three Rory McIlroy dropped a big number in his closing holes for the second day in a row, this time a double bogey on the par-5 18th after an errant tee shot found water on the left side, to sit five shots off the lead. On Friday, the Northern Irishman had made a triple bogey on the par-3 17th. “If you’d given me a one-shot lead going into the final round at the beginning of the week, I would have snatched your hand,” said Waring, who is looking for his first win since the 2018 Nordea Masters. “A little disappointed, because I felt like I could have really moved forward today and put myself out of sight. “You’ve got to have an average day, don’t you?“ Three shots back, Ireland’s Shane Lowry (66), the 2019 tournament winner, was tied for third with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (71), Dane Thorbjoern Olesen (71) and Swede Sebastian Soederberg (68) at 15-under par. With the wind picking up toward the afternoon and the greens becoming firmer and faster, the conditions were challenging after two benign days. Waring had taken advantage of the conditions with rounds of 64 and 61 and started the day at 19-under. An early birdie extended his advantage, but a three-putt bogey on the par-3 fourth hole frayed his nerves, after which he struggled to get his speed and line right with the putter. British Masters champion Norgaard made his first bogey of the tournament on the ninth hole, but three birdies on the back nine kept him in the hunt for a second title this year. “Very satisfied with today,” said the 32-year-old, who is almost guaranteed a PGA Tour card next season as one of top-10 players from the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings. A disappointed McIlroy closed with a three-under-par 69 and dropped to tied 13th position on 13-under-par 203. He still felt confident of getting his hands on the trophy in Abu Dhabi for the first time in his career. “Playing the last two holes two-over two days in a row is not ideal. Cost myself a few shots there,” said McIlroy, who is seeking to secure his sixth DP World Tour Order of Merit crown next week in Dubai and match the legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. “The leaders weren’t getting away, which was nice and I was making a little bit of a charge. And yeah, just one mistake, that drive on 18, and with it playing so much into the wind. “It was an untimely mistake, just like yesterday on the 17th, and I dug myself a little bit of a hole to get out of, but depending on what the leaders do, I can still go into tomorrow feeling like I have half a chance. “I just need to put it all together and play the way I’ve been playing and keep the big mistakes and big numbers off my card and if I can do that and post a score, you never know.”
“Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career,” wrote the 39-year-old British sprint legend
“Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport“
Updated 52 min 38 sec ago
AFP
PARIS: Cycling great Mark Cavendish announced his retirement from the sport on Saturday, writing on social media that his final race will be Sunday’s Tour de France Singapore Criterium.
“Sunday will be the final race of my professional cycling career,” wrote the 39-year-old British sprint legend, the record stage winner on the Tour de France with 35, in a post on Instagram.
“Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in it and now I am ready to see what the next chapter has in store for me.”
Cavendish made Tour de France history last July when he eclipsed Eddy Merckx’s record which had stood since 1975, having matched the Belgian’s mark in 2021.
“I am lucky enough to have done what I love for almost 20 years and I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike,” the rider from the Isle of Man said.
“I love this sport I always have loved this sport I want to make a difference on the bike I always have wanted to make a difference in it that will not change whether I’m on the bike or not.”
Cavendish made his Tour de France debut in 2008 before becoming world road race champion three years later. He won an omnium silver medal at the 2016 Olympics.
Since turning professional in 2005 he had won 165 races, including 17 stages in the Giro d’Italia and three in the Vuelta a Espana.
Last month, he had said that he “will see” about racing in next year’s Tour de France, explaining that he “saw things a bit differently” despite previously vowing not to compete in it again.
He refused to discuss his retirement after finishing third at the Saitama Criterium in Japan last weekend.
“I’d rather not talk about my future,” he told reporters, shortly after defending Singapore Criterium race champion Jasper Philipsen suggested that the Manxman would be calling it quits after the race.
Cavendish finished second behind Philipsen in last year’s race and the Belgian said the Briton would pose the biggest challenge to his title defense in Singapore.
“It’s always difficult to repeat and definitely with this being Mark’s last race, I think he’s very motivated as well to show off his amazing career that he had for the last time here in Singapore,” said the 26-year-old, ahead of Cavendish’s own announcement.
“So it will be a tough, tough competition I think.”
The race will feature 36 cyclists from nine teams including four-time Tour de France champions Chris Froome of Britain, four-time Vuelta Espana Primoz Roglic of Slovenia, and rising Eritrean star Biniam Girmay, who beat Roglic and Cavendish to win last week’s Criterium in Saitama.
They will complete 25 laps of the 2.3-kilometer circuit in Singapore’s historic Civic District.
Yamal doubt for Barca ahead of Real Sociedad clash
The coach also said he thought playmaker Dani Olmo would be ready despite feeling unwell overnight
“Lamine, he was (working) inside and did specific strength training. He’s had a lot of matches in the last weeks so we took care of him...” said Flick
Updated 58 min 49 sec ago
AFP
BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Saturday he is unsure if teenage winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to start the La Liga leaders’ visit to face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
The coach also said he thought playmaker Dani Olmo would be ready despite feeling unwell overnight, while defender Pau Cubarsi can play despite suffering a cut on his face during the team’s Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.
“Pau, I think (he will be fit), he trained with us for the whole training session,” Flick told reporters.
“Lamine, he was (working) inside and did specific strength training. He’s had a lot of matches in the last weeks so we took care of him... we’ll see what the situation is tomorrow.
“With Dani he felt a little bit uncomfortable at night and this morning is doing better, so with him just treatments and medical things, I think he’s ready for tomorrow.”
Barcelona held a nine point lead on second-place Real Madrid heading into the weekend.
Flick also emphasized the importance of punctuality for his players.
Spanish media reported French defender Jules Kounde was left out of the starting line-up to face Alaves in October after arriving late for a team meeting.
“It’s a rule. I don’t speak about what happened in the past, it’s just about respect for the team,” said Flick.
“If you are five minutes too late, the others have to wait, this is not respect, this is not my understanding of being respectful.”
Sharjah Self-Defense and Al-Jazira take lead at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship opener
Event is part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which runs until Nov. 16 with 9,000 male and female athletes competing from 137 countries
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway on Friday at Mubadala Arena as part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with the opening day showcasing competitions for athletes aged 10 to 13.
The day saw Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club secure first place in the boys’ division, followed by the Kazakhstan National Team in second and Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. In the girls’ division, Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed the top spot, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club and Commando Group taking second and third, respectively.
The 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship runs until Nov. 16 with 9,000 male and female athletes from 137 countries taking part.
Board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran praised the strong performances of Emirati athletes and acknowledged the central role of local clubs and academies in preparing and training players to compete at the highest international levels, with world-class facilities and technical support.
“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to contribute to elevating Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for the sport, offering a premier platform that draws top talent from around the world to compete for the sport’s most prestigious titles,” he said. “We are pleased to see such broad international participation from clubs and academies worldwide, reflecting the championship’s status as a leading global sporting event. This international engagement reinforces our commitment to providing an outstanding competitive environment where elite athletes can confidently pursue their dreams.”
One of the guests of honor, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahak said: “It’s an honor to attend the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and present the awards to the winners of an event that has become a symbol of sport and peace around the world. Our presence today reflects our belief in the role of sport in building a healthy society, and underscoring Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sporting hub that fosters values such as responsibility, perseverance and determination among athletes.
“I applaud the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its efforts in advancing the sport and for delivering an exceptional experience for both participants and fans. This championship plays a crucial role in discovering and nurturing talent with the potential for future success.”
Stadiums & Mega Events zone to debut at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh
Didier Drogba and Anthony Joshua among speakers at event highlighting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s events landscape
Updated 09 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate exhibition, is set to debut a Stadiums & Mega Events zone, powered by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, at this year’s event, from Nov. 11-14 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Center.
The new zone will highlight Saudi Arabia’s ascent in recent years as a leader in hosting global events, aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Stadiums & Mega Events will feature a zone that will bring together more than 80 industry experts and sports figures such as Didier Drogba, Anthony Joshua OBE, Emile Heskey, Gilberto Silva, Sol Campbell, Marta Corredera, Louis Saha, Jens Lehmann, Maxwel and John Obi Mike. The zone also offers more than 30 hours of exclusive content on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in mega-event planning and stadium design.
The zone will explore three key tracks — redevelopment, diversification and sustainability. From Expo 2030 to the World Cup, attendees will have the chance to learn from event committees, football stars, architects and e-sports pioneers about how cities leverage cutting-edge arenas where innovation, sustainability and inclusivity thrive.
Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba will be on eof the guest speakers as Stadiums & Mega Events zone debuts at Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh. (Supplied)
“The Ministry of Sport is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the new zone, Stadiums and Mega Events at Cityscape Global 2024, powering insightful debate from over 80 industry experts and several iconic international sports stars,” said a Ministry of Sport spokesperson. “This event showcases how visionary projects are redefining sports and entertainment infrastructure, transforming future cities.”
Also speaking ahead of the event next week is former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who will be taking part in a session about what the future holds for the sports industry.
“I am excited to be attending Cityscape Global, the world’s largest real estate event, this November and seeing the transformation of sports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “I will be speaking about the future of sports and esports on November 12th, along with doing a meet-and-greet.”
This year’s Cityscape Global will feature seven specialized conferences, with the Stadiums & Mega Events conference joining an illustrious lineup that includes The Future of Living Summit, Asset Horizons, Institutional Investors, DNA (Design & Architecture), PropTech, and FutureBuild. The conferences will feature more than 500 expert speakers.
“The launch of Stadiums & Mega Events is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to leverage the power of mega-events to showcase how the Kingdom is planning to redefine how stadiums are designed, built and delivered in a way that will change how fans experience sports in the future,” said Rachel Sturgess, senior vice president of Tahaluf, which organizes Cityscape Global. “The event next week will bring together some of the world’s leading investors and sports stars to discuss the upcoming mega events sector that will help transform Saudi Arabia into an aspirational tourism destination with events and attractions that captivate, unite and inspire.
“The urban development market is gearing up to accommodate the expected influx of people into the country, and our new Stadiums and Attractions feature will shed light on these plans,” she said. “The Saudi Arabian stadium construction industry is about to experience a sustained industry-wide boom, which the global sector attending the event in Riyadh next week will be eager to be a part of.”
With FIFA expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is developing its land to give visitors a 360-degree experience, where, when arriving to attend matches, they also have multiple tourist attractions to view. In addition to the FIFA 2034 bid, Saudi Arabia is undertaking several major projects, such as the King Salman Sports City and the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh.
“Participating in Cityscape Global is a pivotal moment for us at the Sports Boulevard Foundation, as we contribute to the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s sports and mega events sector,” said Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation.
Boxing legend Anthony Joshua will also be joining the line-up of sporting celebrities when the doors open to the public next week.
“I am stepping out of the boxing industry to step into the world of real estate, and I am with the world’s biggest event, Cityscape Global, in Riyadh. We are going to talk about how the world of sports fuses with the world of business, as well as real estate, the future of Riyadh and the future of boxing,” Joshua said.
