CAIRO, 22 November 2007 — Sparked by their athletics team led by Mohammed Al-Khuwailidi, who headed a 1-2 sweep in the long jump, Saudi Arabia yesterday showed their athletic pedigree with eight medals in the 11th Pan Arab Games held in Egypt.
Al-Khuwailidi leapt a distance of 11.8 meters to claim the gold medal ahead of teammate Hussain Al-Saba, who took the bronze with a leap of 10.8 meters. Algeria’s Issam Neima got the bronze with an effort of 7.98 meters.
Sultan Al-Hibshi won the shot put bronze medal; Mokhallad Al-Otaibi received another bronze after finishing third in the 10, 000 meter race, while Hamdan Al-Bishi advanced into the final of the 400 meters today to round out an encouraging start by the Kingdom track and field squad.
“It became tougher when my colleague Hussain Al-Saba closed in but at the same time I was happy it was between us, if whether one of us wins it would still be great,” Al-Khuwailidi said.
“Thank God I was fortunate and won the gold medal which I dedicate to my nation and to our Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah,” he added.
Al-Khuwailid was also surprised with the news he might participate in the 4X400m relay race, but anyhow, he assured, “It would be my pleasure to present my country again and I’d for sure give my best in it.”
Al-Otaibi who came third in 29.29.74 was upset by the referee’s decision of two false starts. He said this puts added pressure on the athlete and when his race began most of the players were stressed out after several starts. The champion of the 10, 000 meter race was Qatari athlete with 29.29.48, second place was UAE runner who finished in 29.29.65. “The difference was very close,” he said as he blamed the referee for their decision and complained to them.
Ninteen-year-old talented karate kid Emad Al-Malki also won a bronze medal for the Kingdom after beating an Algerian opponent at Cairo stadium indoor hall.
“I missed the last 15th Asian Games but I’m glad I achived something in this event,” said Emad who’s older brother was the Asian Games bronze medalist.
Saudi Hussain Al-Nuwaisser of the weightlifting team with special won the bronze in the 75 kilograms weight category after lifting 195 kilograms.
The handball team in addition ended their participation by winning the bronze medal after outplaying Egypt in the final match yesterday at the Cairo stadium.
Bader Al-Asheikh, Faisal Al-Sugati and Ahmed Al-Hithayyan finally ended the Saudi bowling team’s medal drought by taking the bronze medal in the trio event, a mere 10 pins adrift of silver medalist UAE. Qatar won the trio gold with total pinfalls of 3,632 pinfalls, UAE posted 3,589 pinfalls and Saudi Arabia returned 3,579 pinfalls.
The Saudi bowlers hope to build on their momentum when they play the team event today.
Saudi Bowling Federation President Ibrahim Juraifani said, “this medal will boost the athletes’ spirit and we hope it could push them to win another medal in the team event.”
Meanwhile, the Syrian trio team was finally awarded the bronze medal at the equestrian endurance race 24 hours after the event finished. The delay happened after the referee disqualified one of the Syrian riders’ horse a few minutes before the awarding ceremony. A referee checkup revealed the horse had a limp. However, after the Syrian team lodged a protest and a recorded tape for the race was played, it turned out the horse was in good condition, this the Syrian riders Manal Al-Asad, Dia Toutinji and Hazar Sabouni assured.
The Egyptians were supposed to get the bronze but according to the endurance event rules and regulations at least three riders out of four need to finish the race. Only two from the Egyptian team made it while three Syrian riders finished the race.
