AUCKLAND: With a jaunty victory dance, 101-year-old Man Kaur celebrated winning the 100 meters sprint at the World Masters Games in Auckland on Monday, the 17th gold medal in the Indian athlete’s remarkable late-blooming career.
Kaur clocked one minute 14 seconds as a small crowd cheered her on — ending a mere 64.42 seconds off Usain Bolt’s 100m world record set in 2009.
In truth her dash became more of a gentle amble the closer the diminutive centenarian came to the finish line, with more energy spent beaming at spectators than running.
But Kaur was guaranteed victory as the only participant in the 100-years-and-over category at the New Zealand event, which has attracted 25,000 competitors.
Participation, not racing the clock, is the priority for Kaur, who has been dubbed the “miracle from Chandigarh” in New Zealand media.
“I enjoyed it and am very, very happy,” she told reporters via a Punjabi interpreter.
“I’m going to run again, I’m not going to give up. I will participate, there’s no full stop.”
Kaur only took up athletics eight years ago, at the tender age of 93.
She had no prior sporting experience before her son Gurdev Singh suggested she join him in competing on the international masters games circuit.
After a medical check-up she was given the all clear and since then mother and son have taken part in dozens of masters athletics meets around the globe.
Kaur already has a swag of gold medals that would rival Michael Phelps’ haul and also plans to compete in the 200m sprint, two kilogram shot put and 400 gram javelin in Auckland, taking her tally to 20.
Her son told the Indian Weekender newspaper that Kaur was on a strict diet that included wheat grass juice and a daily glass of kefir (fermented milk).
World Masters Games 2017 Chief Executive Jennah Wootten said the Auckland organizers were delighted to host such an inspiration.
“Man Kaur truly personifies the ‘sport for all’ philosophy which World Masters Games is all about and we are thrilled to have her here,” she said.
“I have no doubt that she and many of the other 24,905 athletes competing in these games are inspiring others to lead more active lifestyles and take up a sport.”
While Kaur was the only 100-plus athlete to compete in Auckland, there are a surprising number of spritely centenarians still on the sporting stage.
Japan’s Hidekichi Miyazaki, 106, holds the 100m record in the category with a time of 29.83, earning him the nickname “Golden Bolt” after the Jamaican Flyer.
Miyazaki, who credits his daughter’s tangerine jam for his age-defying exploits, even mimics Bolt’s signature victory pose and is keen to race against the Olympic superstar.
Frenchman Robert Marchand, 105, set a cycling record for his age in January, riding 22.547 kilometers (14.01 miles) in one hour.
Afterwards, the former fireman said he was not even tired and said he could have gone faster.
No hurry as India’s inspirational centenarian wins gold
No hurry as India’s inspirational centenarian wins gold
Saudi Arabia’s hosting Olympic Esports Games 2025 underlines the Kingdom’s economic and social transformation
- Kingdom hosting the Olympic Esports Games will position the Middle East as a major player in digital entertainment, say experts
RIYADH: History was made in July when the International Olympic Committee decided to create Olympic Esports Games, with the first edition being set to be held in 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The event is set to be a game-changer for competitive gaming globally, with the industry’s value expected to reach over $1 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.60 percent during the forecast period 2023-2032, according to market research firm Inkwood Research.
With this event expected to be held at the same level as the Winter and Summer Olympics, it will position the Middle East as a major player in digital entertainment, leveraging the country’s young, tech-savvy population and strong government support.
The Esports Olympics is also set to attract international talent and showcase advanced gaming technology, highlighting the region’s potential as a global esports hub.
Impact and opportunities on global esports industry
According to Shahid Khan, partner and global head of Media, Entertainment, Sports, and Culture at international management consulting firm Arthur D. Little, the hosting of the Esports Olympics in the Kingdom legitimizes the pastime on an international stage and aligns it more closely with traditional sports.
“This event will likely accelerate investment in esports infrastructure, not just in Saudi Arabia but across the Middle East and beyond. It presents opportunities for game developers, tournament organizers, and esports teams to expand their presence in the region. Additionally, it could spark increased interest in esports careers among young people in the Middle East,” Khan said.
The substantial prize pool of $62.5 million, will undoubtedly elevate the profile of esports in the Middle East and globally, he added.
“This event could reshape perceptions of esports, particularly in regions where it’s still gaining mainstream acceptance. It positions Saudi Arabia as a serious player in the global esports landscape and could inspire other countries in the region to invest more heavily in their esports ecosystems,” the Arthur D. Little partner said.
Firms contributing to the growth of the gaming and esports industry in the region
Numerous companies in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East are actively participating in advancing and prospering the gaming and esports sector across the Kingdom and the wider region.
One such firm is Dubai-headquartered Shaffra.
The technology, information and Internet company is looking to redefine productivity and innovation, crafting a future where work is not just a place you go, but a space you shape and share, according to the company’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Marc Wehbi.
He told Arab News: “Our AI-driven Workforce solutions are tailored to handle complex tasks such as managing in-game analytics, optimizing player performance, and generating engaging content.”
Wehbi went on to say that through the integration of advanced technologies, Shaffra’s objective is to strengthen the region’s esports infrastructure and position it as a global leader in technological innovation and competitive gaming.
Another illustration of this is MENATech Entertainment, a technology company with projects related to the video games and education sector.
The firm’s CEO Mario Perez told Arab News that his firm recognizes the government’s significant push to cultivate a strong gaming and esports environment, complemented by private initiatives that open a wide range of opportunities for consumers.
“By leveraging our global experience and success, particularly through initiatives like Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports, which has seen a 57 percent growth in student participation in Saudi Arabia, we aim to foster talent and enhance the esports ecosystem in the region,” he said.
Perez explained that his firm has expanded its reach to over 220 universities across the region, which contributes to the region’s economic and cultural upliftment and helps position Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East as leading players in the global esports arena.
Similarly, the Sports Lead Partner at PwC Middle East Nick Oakley shed light on how the firm has been extensively involved in the esports sector for the past five years and have delivered several strategic projects which have had a real impact in growing the industry.
“We are continuing to collaborate with key partners in the industry, including the Saudi Esports Federation, on various joint initiatives,” Oakley said.
Managing consulting company Kearney is also seen to be contributing to the rise of the gaming and esports industry, as is global law firm Reed Smith.
According to Jamie Ryder, partner at Entertainment and Media Industry Group at Reed Smith, the company has team members throughout the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia with gaming and esports expertise which allows it to provide advice and guidance in line with international best practice and learnings from different territories.
“Our footprint allows us to combine international best practice with our local experience which is always crucial in understanding how and why things may need to be done differently in different territories,” Ryder told Arab News.
Arthur D. Little’s Khan said the benefits of hosting major events, such as the Esports Olympics, help Saudi Arabia in a financial regard – with an increase in tourism – but also enhance the Kingdom’s image as a modern, tech-savvy nation.
“The gaming and esports industry can play a crucial role in realizing Vision 2030 goals by fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and creating high-skilled jobs for young Saudis. Moreover, as a digital-first industry, it supports the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading digital economy,” Khan said.
From MENATech Entertainment’s perspective, Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup, Esports Olympics and the construction of Qiddiya City Esports Arena are “monumental steps toward” realizing the Kingdom’s digital economy goals.
Pérez said: “KSA’s esports market is projected to soar to $6.8 billion by 2030, with the rollout of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy expected to contribute SR50 billion to the nation’s GDP, create 39,000 new jobs, generate over 30 competitive games within local studios and make KSA one of the top three nations in professional esports.”
The CEO went on to say how these initiatives are not just milestones in realizing Vision 2030 but also elevate Saudi Arabia’s global status, embedding esports into the cultural and economic fabric of the region, driving tourism, infrastructure development, and international investment.
From Kearney’s side, Hammoud argued that as Vision 2030 focuses on both economic and social transformation, the gaming and esports industry can play a crucial role in both.
“Socially, it enhances the Quality-of-Life Program by fostering a dynamic, youth-driven culture and promoting digital literacy. By aligning with Vision 2030, the industry supports economic diversification, creates new opportunities for young Saudis, and positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in the global digital economy,” he said.
Thousands march in London in support of Palestinians, 1 year after Oct 7
- Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the country began the march from Russell Square to Downing Street demanding an end to the conflict
- At Saturday’s 20th “National March for Palestine” in London, familiar chants — “ceasefire now,” “stop bombing hospitals, stop bombing civilians“
LONDON: Thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as the war in the Palestinian territory neared the one-year mark.
Pro-Palestinian supporters from across the country began the march from Russell Square to Downing Street demanding an end to the conflict, which has killed nearly 42,000 people in Gaza;
At Saturday’s 20th “National March for Palestine” in London, familiar chants — “ceasefire now,” “stop bombing hospitals, stop bombing civilians” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — were joined by shouts of “hands off Lebanon.”
The rally came ahead of the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack in Israel by fighters from Palestinian group Hamas which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,825 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the territory’s health ministry and described as reliable by the United Nations.
Zackerea Bakir, 28, said he has attended dozens of marches around the Uk.
Large numbers continue to turn up because “everyone wants a change,” Bakir told AFP.
“It’s continuing to just get worse and worse, and yet nothing seems to be changing... I think it’s tiring that we have to continue to come out,” said Bakir, joined at the rally by his mother and brother.
Several protesters carried posters reading “Starmer has blood on his hands.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas, as well as suspended some arms licenses to Israel.
However, many at the rally said it was not enough.
Sophia Thomson, 27, found the Labour government’s stance “hypocritical.”
According to Thomson, the size of the protests “goes to show the government doesn’t speak for the people.”
“It’s not good enough. It’s not good enough,” added Bakir, calling for the government to “stop giving a carte blanche of support to the Israeli government.”
London’s Metropolitan police put in place a “significant” policing operation ahead of planned protests and memorial events.
While the rally was largely peaceful, two were arrested for assaulting an emergency worker, according to the Met.
Three others were arrested as tensions rose between the main march and a counter protest.
While exact numbers at the demonstration were unclear, “it appears to be greater than other recent protests,” the Met said on X.
Another rally also took place simultaneously in the Irish capital, Dublin.
A memorial for the October 7 attack will be held in London on Sunday.
King, crown prince congratulate Sultan of Brunei on accession anniversary
RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations on Saturday to the Sultan of Brunei on the anniversary of his accession to the throne, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The king wished the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Brunei steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations.
Motta tight-lipped on Pogba’s Juve future after doping ban reduction
- Pogba, a World Cup winner with Les Bleus in 2018, will be able to return to competitive football from March 11 next year
- “The club will assess the situation and make a decision if necessary. Paul was a great player but he hasn’t played for a long time,” coach Motta told reporters
ROME: Thiago Motta refused on Saturday to say whether Paul Pogba had a future at Juventus after the France midfielder’s four-year doping ban was slashed to 18 months.
Pogba, a World Cup winner with Les Bleus in 2018, will be able to return to competitive football from March 11 next year following Friday’s ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Italian media report that Juve might still seek to terminate Pogba’s contract, which runs until the end of June 2026 and is reportedly worth up to 10 million euros ($10.97 million) a season.
“The club will assess the situation and make a decision if necessary. Paul was a great player but he hasn’t played for a long time,” coach Motta told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture with Cagliari.
“All I’m thinking about is our match tomorrow, nothing else really matters as far as I’m concerned.”
Juventus refused to comment on Pogba, who tested positive for testosterone following the Turin club’s opening Serie A fixture of last season, a 3-0 win at Udinese in August 2023.
He was provisionally suspended the following month and then banned for four years by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February, a sanction which put the 31-year-old’s career at risk.
Pogba’s representatives said the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.
Pogba collected four Serie A titles in his first stint at Juventus between 2012 and 2016 but had a string of problems on and off the pitch after his 2022 return from Manchester United.
During the 2022-23 season, Pogba made just 10 appearances for the club, mainly due to a knee injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar, where France lost out to Argentina in the final in December 2022.
He was also the victim of a case of organized extortion, for which six men, including his brother Mathias, were last month ordered to stand trial.
Since Pogba last played for his club at Empoli in early September last year, Juve have switched manager from Massimiliano Allegri to Motta and brought in a host of new players as part of a rebuild.
Juve, who finished third last term without Pogba, splashed out over 120 million euros on midfielders Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram in a busy summer on the transfer market.
Startup Wrap – Regional startups across diverse sectors continue to raise funds
- Founded in 2022 by Mamdoh Ali, Al Menu offers cloud-based solutions designed to enhance the operations of restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa have recently secured new funding to drive expansion, innovate services, and enter new markets, highlighting ongoing investor interest in diverse sectors including event-tech, e-commerce, and adtech.
Al Menu, a Saudi Arabia-based software-as-a-service provider for the food and beverage industry, has raised $10.12 million in a funding round led by Al Majdiah Investment alongside other investors.
Founded in 2022 by Mamdoh Ali, Al Menu offers cloud-based solutions designed to enhance the operations of restaurants and cafes in Saudi Arabia.
Ali, the CEO, stated that aims to reduce operational management costs and increase workforce efficiency for thousands of restaurants and cafes in the Kingdom.
Nasser Al-Majid, CEO of Al Majdiah Investment, added that their investment in Al Menu reflects their commitment to strengthening the role of the F&B sector in achieving Vision 2030’s hospitality goals.
The new funding is aimed at accelerating the company’s expansion efforts in the restaurant service sector.
Mila Celebrations raises $227k in pre-seed funding
Mila Celebrations, an event planning platform based in Saudi Arabia, has raised $227,000 in a pre-seed funding round from angel investors.
Founded in early 2024 by Muhammad Ghourbal, the startup provides a comprehensive solution for organizing events and celebrations.
The investment will be used to support Mila’s expansion into the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region.
This investment comes as Saudi Arabia’s events sector is expected to see a significant boom.
According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the industry is expected to grow from $2.38 billion in 2024 to $3.45 billion in 2029.
Quantum completes $7m pre-series A round led by HearstLab
Quantum, a Saudi Arabia-based advertising tech firm, has secured funding in its $7 million pre-series A round, with HearstLab, the investment arm of Hearst Corporation, participating in the round.
Founded in 2020 by Omar Malaikah and Sara Bin Ladin, Quantum offers advertisers a platform to select publishers, purchase ad space directly, and access detailed data analytics to measure campaign impact.
“As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with Vision 2030, we are proud to be at the forefront of media and data innovation. HearstLab’s backing shows the great potential that Saudi Arabia has as a hub for cutting-edge technologies in all sectors,” said Malaikah.
This investment marks HearstLab’s first foray into the Middle Eastern market.
Podeo secures $5.4m in series A for international growth
UAE-based podcast distribution platform Podeo has closed a $5.4 million series A funding round led by Oraseya Capital, with contributions from Ibtikar Fund, Cedar Mundi Ventures, Samarium, iSME, and Razor Capital.
Podeo, founded in 2020 by Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek, enables content creators to monetize their podcasts through an end-to-end platform.
The fresh capital will be used to expand Podeo’s reach across emerging markets, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.
“We are committed to empowering creators to become the next generation of global audio stars, providing them with cutting-edge tools to captivate diverse audiences around the world,” said Fallaha, the CEO.
“This series A funding will allow us to amplify our mission and scale our ecosystem at lightning speed across emerging global markets, making storytelling limitless and giving diverse voices the power to be heard by billions worldwide,” he added.
Agility Global invests in Global Ventures’ third fund
Singapore-based Agility Global has committed an undisclosed amount to Global Ventures’ third fund, launched earlier this year.
Global Ventures, founded in 2018 by Noor Sweid in Dubai, focuses on early-stage investments across the Middle East and Africa in sectors such as supply chain technology, energy technology, and agri-tech.
“We are passionate champions and advocates for businesses led by the region’s new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Agility Global Chairman Tarek Sultan.
“The Middle East and Africa are brimming with innovation and entrepreneurial energy. Through our venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, and our investment in Global Ventures’ new MEA fund, we are encouraging the region’s startups and entrepreneurs to commercialize and scale great ideas and innovations,” he added.
Agility Global, a multi-business operator and long-term investor, aims to support innovative startups within these key areas through this fund.
“With our focus on supply chain technology, we are incredibly grateful for the support of Agility Global, a long-standing leader in the supply chain sector regionally and globally. We are thrilled to have a true partner in Agility Global as we continue to back mission-driven founders addressing critical challenges across the Middle East and Africa,” Sweid said.
Earlier in July, Jordan’s investment fund, the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, also invested $5 million in Global Ventures’ Fund III.
Kuwait’s Bazzar Gate raises $1m to boost e-commerce platform
Kuwait-based e-commerce startup Bazzar Gate has secured $1 million in funding from undisclosed investors.
Founded by Mohammad Al-Mutawa in 2020, Bazzar Gate offers a one-stop-shop drop-shipping e-commerce solution, including delivery and payment systems.
The funding will primarily be used to scale its newly launched platform, Partners, which helps users set up dropshipping e-commerce businesses by addressing challenges such as high startup costs and logistical complexities.
“Receiving this investment validates the vision we have for Partners and its potential to redefine e-commerce entrepreneurship. We’re committed to providing a platform where anyone can become an e-commerce business owner in minutes, without the traditional barriers of high costs, logistics, or time investment,” Al-Mutawa added.
Oman sovereign wealth fund commits $150m to ewpartners
Oman Investment Authority, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, has committed $150 million to international investment firm ewpartners’ Technology Innovation Fund II.
The $1 billion private equity fund focuses on expansion-stage technology and techenabled investments within GCC countries.
The partnership also entails the establishment of a local fund with OIA’s Future Fund Oman, which aims to support the country’s National Vision 2040.
Through this initiative, ewpartners intends to leverage products, technologies, and capabilities from established industry players, particularly from China, to foster the growth of successful companies in Oman.
The investment firm will direct investments toward sectors critical to Oman’s economic development, including advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, and agriculture.
These investments align with Oman’s broader economic mandate to diversify its economy and enhance its regional competitiveness.
Valu partners with ShipBlu and PayTabs Egypt
Egyptian financial technology company Valu has entered a new partnership with logistics provider ShipBlu and digital payments firm PayTabs Egypt.
The collaboration aims to streamline online payment processes for e-commerce transactions delivered within Egypt.
Valu credit users will now have the option to pay for online orders delivered by ShipBlu, benefiting from secure payments facilitated by PayTabs Egypt.
The initiative seeks to encourage a shift toward a cashless society, providing consumers with various digital payment options, including credit and debit cards, QR codes, and eWallets, as part of a payment-on-delivery model.
