Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics

Special Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
1 / 5
Team Saudi Arabia wave flags on a boat in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Special Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
2 / 5
Saudi Arabia's delegation sail in a boat during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. (AFP)
Special Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
3 / 5
Athletes from Qatar's and two other delegations sail in a boat along the river Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024. (AFP)
Special Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
4 / 5
Lebanon team parades along the Seine river in Paris during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on July 26, 2024. (AP)
Special Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
5 / 5
Members of Team United Arab Emirates attend the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Pool Photo via AP)
Short Url
Updated 29 July 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics

Saudi Arabia’s 10 among the Arab stars to look out for at the Paris Olympics
  • Several North African stars have high hopes as they pursue their Olympic dreams in different disciplines
  • Tarek Hamdi’s performance at Tokyo 2020 Games had set a new standard for Saudi athletes back home

ABU DHABI: As the clock ticked down, Olympic karate gold beckoned for Tarek Hamdi. With only seconds left of the Men’s kumite +75kg final at the Tokyo 2020 Games, the Saudi fighter held what looked to be an unassailable lead against Iranian opponent Sajjad Ganjzadeh.

A historic first gold medal for the Kingdom at the Olympic Games was all but a formality. Instead, Hamdi was agonizingly denied gold, receiving a penalty after he was judged to have knocked out Ganjzadeh with an illegal kick to the head. A heartbroken Hamdi had to be content with a still-remarkable silver medal.

The then-22-year-old received a hero’s welcome on his return home, his performance having set a new standard for Saudi athletes, many of whom are still finding their feet at this level of competition.

Others also performed with distinction without coming as close Hamdi to glory.

Rower Hussein Alireza fought valiantly despite having sustained an injured rib only weeks before the Games, while his fellow Saudi flag-bearer at the opening ceremony in Tokyo — 100m runner Yasmeen Al-Dabbagh — became only the second Saudi female to participate in the track and field category, following Sarah Attar at London 2012.

Saudi Arabia’s Under-23 footballers, led by coach Saad Al-Shehri, performed well in all three matches of a very tough group in Tokyo, but ultimately lost 2-1 to Cameroon, 3-2 to Germany, and 3-1 to the eventual gold medalists Brazil.

10 ARAB ATHLETESTO LOOK OUT FOR

WOMEN

• Sara Samir (Egypt) — Weightlifting

• Kaylia Nemour (Algeria) — Artistic gymnastics

• Dunya Aboutaleb (Saudi Arabia) — Taekwondo

• Ray Bassil (Lebanon) — Shooting

• Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi (Morocco) — Athletics

MEN

• Djamel Sedjati (Algeria) – Athletics

• Ahmad Abu Al-Soud (Jordan) – Gymnastics

• Ramzi Boukhiam (Morocco) – Surfing

• Mutaz Barshim (Qatar) – Athletics

• Yahia Omar (Egypt) – Handball

With their 23-man football squad missing out on qualification for the Paris Games, the Saudi contingent is much reduced this summer. However, the 10 members taking part across four sports will be hoping to emulate, or maybe even surpass, Hamdi’s achievement.

The Saudi showjumping team consists of Ramzy Al-Duhami, Abdullah Alsharbatly, Khaled Almobty and Abdulrahman Alrajhi, all of whom have a shot at glory between Aug. 1-6, first in the individual competition and then as a foursome in the team competition.

Special mention must go to 52-year-old Al-Duhami and 41-year-old Alsharbatly, who, alongside Kamal Bahamdan and Prince Abdullah Al-Saud, won the bronze medal in the equestrian team jumping event at the 2012 Olympics in London. In Paris, Al-Dunami will be taking part in a remarkable sixth Olympic Games.

The Kingdom’s swimming ambitions will rest on the shoulders of 17-year-old Mashael Al-Ayed — Saudi Arabia’s first female Olympic swimmer — in the Women’s 200m freestyle, and, in the Men’s 100m freestyle, on Zaid Al-Sarraj, who, at 16, is the youngest member of the Saudi contingent this year.

 

 

In track and field, Hibah Mohammed will kick off Saudi participation in the Women’s 100m preliminary round on Aug. 2.

That same day, 26-year-old Hussain Al-Hizam will look to leap into the record books in the men’s pole vault competition, having missed out on the last Olympics. He is backing himself to go far.

“I am pretty confident that I have not reached my full potential and I believe that it could all come together on that day (in Paris), that I can shock everyone. I really believe that I can do that,” Al-Hizam told Arab News from his training camp in Germany before jetting off to Paris.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Daouda Tolo, who booked his spot in the shot put competition in Paris by improving his Asian record from 20.66m to 21.80m, will be hoping to go at least one better than his fourth-place finish at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing. 




Saudi athletes walk across a bridge near the Eiffel Tower in Paris during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on July 26, 2024. (AP)

Finally, Donia Abu Taleb will carry the hopes of the nation in the taekwondo competition after becoming the first Saudi female athlete to officially qualify for the games. Her predecessors, including Yasmeen Al-Dabbagh and Tahani Alqahtani (judo, Tokyo 2020) having been given wild cards to compete.

Elsewhere, there will be hopes for further success from Arab athletes and teams.

The football competition kicked off two days before Friday’s official ceremony and the three Arab teams emerged with fine results. Morocco beat Argentina 2-1 in Group B, albeit in controversial circumstances, while Iraq managed to beat Ukraine 2-1 in the same group. Egypt, will not be disheartened by a 0-0 draw with the Dominican Republic.

For Tunisia, the teenage swimmer Ahmed Hafnaoui, who struck gold in the Men’s 400m freestyle competition in Tokyo, is back again, but sadly the country’s tennis superstar Ons Jabeur has had to pull out of the Paris Games.




Yehia Elderaa, right, of Egypt, against Patrik Ligetvari, of Hungary, during a men's handball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics on July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP)

Several North African stars will, however, once again have high hopes of glory. Heading the hopefuls is Algerian runner Djamel Sedjati, who is chasing gold after a stunning run of form in the build-up to Paris 2024, one that has raised the tantalizing possibility of breaking David Rudisha’s 12-year-old world record in the 800 meters.

Ramzi Boukhiam, the first Moroccan or Arab surfer to qualify for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, will take part in his second successive Olympics, while his compatriot Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi will aim for a podium place when she runs the marathon on Aug. 11.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Algerian gymnastics prodigy Kaylia Nemour will be hopeful of a medal placing after a series of international podium finishes in recent years.

Perhaps the highest-profile Arab athlete remains Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim, who in Tokyo memorably decided to share high jump gold with his Italian rival and friend Gianmarco Tamberi amid unique scenes of celebration. With two silver medals from London 2012 and Rio 2016, he competes in Paris as one of the region’s most decorated sportsmen.




File photo of Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim competing in a high jump competition in 2019. (X: @qatartourismqa)

Finally, many eyes will be on the 10-strong Palestinian contingent, who will take part in Paris with the specter of the war in Gaza hanging over them.

“I’m going to the Olympics not just for myself, but for all of Palestine,” 20-year-old boxer Waseem Abu Sal, who will be fighting in the 57kg category in Paris, told Arab News recently. “I’m fighting to show the world our dignity and to preserve our identity.”

From North Africa through the Middle East and to the Gulf, Arab athletes at Paris 2024 will echo those sentiments.
 

 


Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece

Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece
Updated 07 November 2024
Follow

Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece

Saudi jiu-jitsu team win 10 medals at World Championship in Greece
  • Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team scoop 3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze at event held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s jiu-jitsu team won 10 medals — three gold, three silver and four bronze — at the World Championship in Crete, Greece, which was held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The gold medalists are Mohammed Al-Mukhlis in the under-69 kg category (Masters Division), Omar Nada in the under-94 kg category (Senior Team Division), and Abdullah Nada in the under-85 kg category (Youth Division).

Silver medals were won by Abdulmalik Al-Murdi in the under-62 kg category (Senior Team Division), Elias Banjar in the under-62 kg category (Youth Division), and Waleed Al-Haidari in the under-56 kg category (Youth Division).

Bronze went to Osamah Al-Marwia in the No Gi category, Khaled Habab, who earned two medals in the under-52 kg and No Gi - 52 kg categories (Youth Division), and Hadeel Qadha in the under-57 kg category (Junior Division).

Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation CEO Rakan Al-Fehaid thanked the government for supporting the athletes and helping them to achieve success.

The team had played a “significant role in elevating the Kingdom’s name on the global stage,” the report added.


Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
Updated 05 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership

Saudi Sports For All Federation and STC Group sign sustainability partnership
  • Pact between the parties was inked at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh
  • Collaboration will help identify opportunities for improving public participation in physical activities

RIYADH: The Saudi Sports For All Federation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the STC Group to promote physical activity, encourage social integration through sports, and support the development of grassroots programs.

The signing ceremony took place last week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, which was held under the theme “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”

Shaima Alhusseini, managing director of the SFA, and Maha Alnuhait, general manager of sustainability at the STC Group, inked the agreement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The collaboration will focus on establishing sustainability reporting frameworks, key performance indicators, and metrics in alignment with community-driven programs.

The SFA aims to leverage the telecom group’s expertise to achieve their goals and contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030, the SPA reported.


Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event

Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event

Cody Rhodes and Liv Morgan take titles at WWE Riyadh Season event
  • The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference

RIYADH: In an extraordinary night at Mohammed Abdu Arena as part of Riyadh Season’s WWE events, “Crown Jewel 2024” delivered a memorable evening of intense matches that wrestling fans will not soon forget.

The General Entertainment Authority CEO, Faisal Bafarat, awarded Cody Rhodes the “Crown Jewel 2024” men’s title and Liv Morgan the women’s title, with both receiving a new championship belt adorned with 50 carats of diamonds as the first champions in Crown Jewel history.

The event kicked off with an explosive opening match in which “The Bloodline,” led by Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga (accompanied by Tanga Loa), achieved a historic victory over Roman Reigns and “The Usos” (Jey and Jimmy Uso) in a six-man tag team match.

In the WWE women’s tag team championship match, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill defended their titles successfully against fierce competition from teams including “Damage Control,” “The Meta-4,” and Chelsea Green with Piper Niven. Seth “Freakin” Rollins also delivered an outstanding performance, defeating “Big” Bronson Reed.

In the women’s showdown, Liv Morgan, the reigning RAW women’s champion, claimed the title of “Crown Jewel Women’s Champion” after defeating SmackDown women’s champion Nia Jax in a grueling battle.

The night was not short on surprises, as the match between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens ended with no result because of unexpected interference, heightening the evening’s excitement.

In a triple-threat match for the United States Championship, LA Knight retained his title after an intense victory over Andrade and Carmelo Hayes.

The night culminated in a grand finale as Cody Rhodes, the undisputed WWE champion, defeated heavyweight champion Gunther, emerging as the Crown Jewel Champion to thunderous cheers from the crowd.

 


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
Follow

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

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.


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
Follow

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

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.