193 Saudi athletes prepare to compete in 19 sports at Asian Games

Emblem of Hangzhou 2022. supplied
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Updated 29 August 2023
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193 Saudi athletes prepare to compete in 19 sports at Asian Games

Riyadh: Teams from Saudi Arabia are preparing to take part in the 19th Asian Games 2022, due to get underway in the Chinese city of Hangzhou next month.

More than 12,000 male and female athletes representing 45 Asian countries are expected to participate in the sporting spectacular running from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

The Kingdom will be represented by 193 athletes competing in 19 events, namely football, basketball, handball, athletics, equestrian, archery, fencing, shooting, rowing, weightlifting, boxing, taekwondo, jujitsu, karate, kurash, table tennis, tennis, golf, and esports.

The Saudi teams have been attending training camps in preparation for the Asian Games at which sportspeople from the Kingdom have won a total of 61 medals — 25 gold, 13 silver, and 23 bronze — since Bangkok 1978.

The breakdown of medals is as follows: one bronze in New Delhi 1982, one silver in Seoul 1986, one bronze in Beijing 1990, one gold, three silver, and five bronze in Hiroshima 1994, seven gold, one silver, and one bronze in Busan 2002, eight gold, and six bronze in Doha 2006, five gold, three silver, and five bronze in Guangzhou 2010, three gold, three silver, and one bronze in Incheon 2014, and one gold, two silver, and three bronze in Jakarta 2018.


Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

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Updated 23 January 2025
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Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

  • ‘Moving in Elegance’ campaign part of company’s official team sponsorship
  • Handover ceremony embodies partnership between Genesis and Saudi Pro League champions

RIYADH: Luxury vehicle brand Genesis Riyadh has presented its latest top-of-the-range cars to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.

The handover to the club’s personnel, including players and management, was part of the company’s larger agreement as Al-Hilal’s official car sponsor.

The slogan “Moving in Elegance” reflects the stature of the football club and cements the start of the car company’s activities in Riyadh for 2025. 

“This special ceremony between Genesis and Al-Hilal, the leading team in the region, reaffirms a long-term strategic partnership that we and the club cherish. The strong partnership is emphasized by the shared values that unite us, which are excellence and elegance,” said Ahmed Marshidi, chief operating officer at Genesis Al-Wallan.

Last season, Al-Hilal made football history by setting an unparalleled record of 34 consecutive victories across various competitions. This remarkable winning streak, which spanned September 2023 to April 2024, captured global headlines and cemented the club’s place in sporting history.


Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud appointed to Asia yoga board

Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud. (Supplied)
Updated 20 January 2025
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Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud appointed to Asia yoga board

  • Princess Mashael is vice president of Saudi Yoga Committee
  • She has over 15 years of expertise in several yoga traditions

JEDDAH: The Asian Yogasana Sport Federation has announced the appointment of Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al-Saud, representing Saudi Arabia, to the organization’s board.

Princess Mashael will also head the federation’s Women and Children’s Safeguarding Committee, the AYSF stated in a press release recently.

The appointment was approved unanimously at the AYSF’s sixth general assembly in Dubai recently.

Princess Mashael, the vice president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, has been instrumental in empowering women and youth, and ensuring athlete safety at various sporting events.

Her appointment represents a significant step toward increasing women’s participation in sports, promoting initiatives to protect women and children, and supporting the growth of Yogasana and traditional sports across Asia.

She has over 15 years of yoga expertise, including Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, the Himalayan tradition of meditation, and yoga therapy.

She trained with the AYSF in 2022, mastering yoga federation management and Yogasana systems.

In addition to her yoga accomplishments, the princess is a passionate advocate for women and youth in sports, the AYSF stated.

She owns and runs a sports nongovernmental organization and heads the women’s committee of the Arab Cycling Federation.


Super heavyweight championship rematch to headline first Saudi Power Slap event

Updated 20 January 2025
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Super heavyweight championship rematch to headline first Saudi Power Slap event

  • It will take place on Jan. 30 as part of Riyadh Season

RIYADH: Power Slap, in partnership with the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, is set to host its first event in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 30 at the anb Arena as part of Riyadh Season.

The focal point of Power Slap 11 will see reigning super heavyweight champion Da Crazy Hawaiian (16-1-1, 12 KOs) and No. 1 ranked super heavyweight Dumpling (1-0-1, 1 KO) face off in a rematch after they drew at Power Slap 9 in Abu Dhabi.

In the co-main event, light heavyweight champion Wolverine (14-5, 5 KOs) returns to defend his belt for the third time against rising contender Vern “The Mechanic” Cathey (5-2, 5 KOs).

Power Slap, founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian in partnership with Ultimate Fighting Championship, has grown in recent years to reach huge audiences around the world.

In just two years, with only 10 live events, Power Slap has gained 22 million social media followers and its content has garnered over 11.5 billion lifetime views across its platforms. Events regularly draw global influencers with more than a billion followers collectively.

Additional matches on the card include: 

  • No. 2 ranked light heavyweight Russel “Kainoa” Rivero (4-3, 3 KOs) and No. 3 ranked light heavyweight Austin “Turp Daddy Slim” Turpin (5-2, 4 KOs) face off in a pivotal match.
  • 2 ranked super heavyweight Kalani “Toko” Vakameilalo (2-1, 2 KOs) aims to defend his spot in the rankings against No. 3 ranked super heavyweight Danie “The Pitbull” Van Heerden (5-2, 4 KOs).
  • The return of women’s featherweight star Sheena “The Hungarian Hurricane” Bathory (3-0, 2 KOs), in a highly anticipated grudge rematch against Jackie “The Hybrid” Cataline (1-2).

Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

Updated 14 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Japan discuss collaboration for 2026 Asian Games

  • Meeting at Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee headquarters in Riyadh

RIYADH: Officials representing the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto discussed on Monday plans for the hosting of the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya city in 2026.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the SOPC’s CEO and Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen attended the meeting at the organization’s headquarters in Riyadh.

The officials discussed ways to facilitate the participation of Saudi Arabia’s sports delegation in the games.

Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Japan have strengthened following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the SOPC and the Japanese Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Set to begin in September, the theme of the 2026 Asian Games is “Imagine One Asia.”


Inter Milan coach maintains optimism despite Italian Supercup loss

Updated 07 January 2025
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Inter Milan coach maintains optimism despite Italian Supercup loss

  • Simone Inzaghi working to regain ‘focus’ as team look to the future

RIYADH: Inter Milan will focus on boosting morale for future games following defeat in the Italian Supercup, Simone Inzaghi, the club’s manager told Arab News on Monday.

AC Milan secured a 3-2 comeback victory over city rivals Inter Milan at Riyadh’s Alawwal Park on Monday.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Inzaghi said: “We should work on motivating the players and the fans. Cheering them up and boosting their morale.

“Defeat is a hard feeling I know but we should work on regaining conscience and focus. We wanted to win the title, but it is what it is.”

Prior to the derby, Arab News interviewed devoted AC Milan fans.

Waleed Alahmed said: “Milan is going to win because of their new manager, (Sergio) Conceicao. I think his way of playing is very good and if (winger Rafael) Leao is there, Milan is going to win.”

After just one week at the helm, Conceicao has now earned his first trophy.

The hosting of the 37th Italian Supercup aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life program and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It is a part of the country’s plan to continue hosting major global sporting events.

The Ministry of Sports organized the event, which was hosted by the Kingdom for the fifth time.