RIYADH: There were celebrations on Saturday as Naqi won the second edition of the Saudi Elite Hockey Championship.

Team members received their gold medals and winners’ trophy from Saudi Hockey Federation President Mohammed Al-Mandeel at the end of the event, played over two days at the Green Halls of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Featuring 80 players from eight teams, it was attended by Ahmed Al-Jaidan, vice chairman of the SHF board, and board member Reham Al-Ajroush.

Defending champions Najd Falcons received silver medals for coming in second place, while Al-Ittihad took bronze for third.

In the individual awards, Nouman Rashid (Naqi) was named Best Player of the Tournament, with Moaid Dhoha (Al-Ittihad) as Best Goalkeeper. Top Scorer was Akbar Zaman of United Thalassery Sports Club and Best Young Player was Abdulrahman Al-Shammari (Al-Shabab).

Al-Mandeel praised the success of the event, saying it emphasized the Federation’s efforts to promote hockey and establish it as a popular competitive sport in Saudi Arabia.

Along with tournaments, the organization has established domestic and international training camps to help discover the Kingdom’s talented hockey players, many of whom shone during the championship.

Al-Mandeel also expressed his appreciation for support from the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committees.

ALULA: The Richard Mille polo team won the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship on Saturday, defeating Ikmah 8-6 in the final at Al-Fursan Village.

The triumphant players were awarded the trophy by Saudi Polo Federation President Amr Zidan and Abeer Al-Akel, acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, in the presence of Piero Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation.

Bentley won third place after winning 6-5 against AlUla, who came in fourth, with Dadan claiming fifth place with a 7-6 victory over Budget.

Prince Hamzah bin Abbas of Jordan was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Claire Mountbatten won the Best Female Player award.

The tournament’s top scorer was international star Nacho Figueras, while Obsolete won the Best Horse award.

Congratulating the Richard Mille team on their success, Zidan said: “SPF is committed to continuing this tournament in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, with unlimited support from the wise leadership, and close supervision from the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.”

The SPF president added the competition had witnessed a new champion, rapid development, strong competition and valuable experience for Saudi riders through competing against international stars.

He extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.