Road cycling, golf and goalball competitions conclude at Saudi Games 2022

Road cycling, golf and goalball competitions conclude at Saudi Games 2022
Action from the men's road cycling race at the Saudi Games 2022 on Saturday. (Twitter: @SaudiGames2022)
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Updated 30 October 2022

Road cycling, golf and goalball competitions conclude at Saudi Games 2022

Road cycling, golf and goalball competitions conclude at Saudi Games 2022
  • Saturday’s action also saw medals handed out in swimming, weightlifting and padel

Saturday saw the first day of action following the previous night’s spectacular opening ceremony of the Saudi Games 2022 in Riyadh. Here are some of the highlights across all competitions.

Para Games: Goalball

Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, vice president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and director of the Saudi Games, awarded Al-Baha the gold medal for winning the goalball competition at the Saudi Games 2022 at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

Al-Baha defeated Riyadh 11-1 in the final, while third place and bronze went to Al-Rass after they beat Asir 8-2.

In addition to being honored by Prince Fahd, the medallists were also congratulated by Majid Al-Usaimi, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, governing board member of the International Paralympic Committee and UNICEF national ambassador.

Swimming

A full day of swimming heats and medal events took place at the SAOC Complex, starting off with the men’s 50m freestyle, in which Emadaldeen Basim Zaben took gold with a time of 23:88 seconds. He was followed in second place by Yousif Buareesh (23:91 secs), while Faisal Al-Shilaty claimed bronze with a time of 24:57 seconds.

In the men’s 100m backstroke,  Ali Alessa won gold with a time of 58:98 seconds, silver went to Mohammed Boksmati (1:00:81) and bronze to Mohamed Agendi (1:02:76).

The third finals of the day saw Suktan Alotaibi take gold in the men’s 50m breaststroke with a time of 29:72 seconds. Loai Tashkandi won silver (29:89 secs), while Mahomoud Khalid Yacoub took bronze (30:68 secs).

The men’s 400m freestyle gold was claimed by Ahmed Ali AL-Hashim with a time of 4:16:92, while Zaid Al-Sarraj took bronze with 4:20:00. Hassan Al-Bagshi came in third place in a time of 4:20:79.

The winners in all categories were awarded their medals by Ahmed Al-Kudmani, president of the Saudi Swimming Federation, and Abdullah Al-Yami, executive director of the Saudi Swimming Federation.
Weightlifting

Three weightlifting events took place at the Al-Riyadh Club Main Court, starting off with the women’s 71 kg category, which saw Al-Ahli Club’s Amal Al-Sharani take gold with a total lift of 147 kg.

Alanoud Al-Khelaifiwon silver (139 kg), while Lilia May claimed bronze (136 kg).

In the men’s 89 kg category, Ismail Al-Swyleh took first place and the gold medal after lifting 329 kg. With a lift of just two kilograms less, Ali Al-Abandi secured silver, while Nawaf Alaid took bronze with 319 kg.

The final weightlifting competition of the day was the men’s 102 kg, with Ali Al-Othman taking gold (332 kg). Silver went to Khalil Al-Hamqan with 317 kg, and bronze to Jehad Al-Ghazwi with 316 kg.

The winners received their medals from Mohamed Ahmad Alharbi, president of the Saudi Arabian Weightlifting Federation and member of the International Weightlifting Federation, and Ali Dhafir Hakami, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Arabian Weightlifting Federation.
Golf

Taking place over two days at the Riyadh Golf Club, the men’s golf competition saw the participation of 38 players, with Faisal Al-Sahlab coming out on top.

Saud Al-Sharif took silver, and Othman Al-Mulla bronze.

The winners were awarded their medals by Mohamed Al-Muhanna, board member of the Saudi Golf Federation.
Cycling (Road)

The men’s and women’s individual road race cycling events concluded in Riyadh on Saturday, with the men’s event taking place over 126 km, and the women’s totalling 56 km.

Gold in the men’s individual road race went to Mohammed Al-Jaber, who finished in 2:50:20. Taking second place and silver was Fahad Al-Ghamadi (2:50:22), while Hassan Al-Ibrahim (2:50:52) secured bronze.

The women’s individual road race was won by Mishael Al-Hazmi with a time of 1:47:10. Silver went to Monirah Al-Draiweesh (1:47:20) and bronze to Erika Martinez (1:47:28).

The medallists were honored by Princess Mashael Bint Faisal, head of the women’s committee of the Saudi Arabian Cycling Federation, as well as Abdullah Alwathlan, president of the Saudi Arabian Cycling Federation, and board member Amin Al-Halili.
Padel

The women’s doubles competition concluded with Areej Fareh and Sarah Salhab taking gold after defeating Alexia Tashbaeva and Samaher Kurdi, who had to settle for silver. The bronze medal went to Najwa Salhab and Noura Al-Soliman.

The medals were presented by Khalid Alsaad, president of the Saudi padel committee, and managing director, Munirah Al-Barrak.
Basketball

The women’s basketball group matches continued on Saturday at Al-Hilal’s Main Court with the following results:

Abha 56-41 Al Hilal 

Al-Wehda 50-44 Al-Ittihad

Riyadh 36-31 Al-Nassr
Handball

Three group matches in the men’s handball took place at KSU Arena’s Center Court with the following outcomes:

Al-Khowildiah 30-30 Al-Trraji

Al-Wehda 43-37 Al-Adalah

Al-Safa 25-21 Al-Ahli
Volleyball

Five group matches took place at the SAOC Complex today.

In the women’s groups, Al-Etihad beat Al-Taraje 3-0, while Al-Hilal overcame Alanka 3-1. Finally, Al-Nasser beat Al-Nahda 3-0.

In the men’s group matches, Al-Ahli beat Abha 3-0 and Al-Hilal defeated Al-Nassr 3-0.
Futsal

The latest results from the men’s preliminary group matches:

Al-Nassr 5-5 Al-Qadisiyah

Riyadh 3-3 ALula

Musadaa 16-2 Amjaad
For the latest results, please visit https://results.saudigames.sa/#/nsg2022/schedule/days/2022-10-29.


Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34

Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34
Updated 8 sec ago

Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34

Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34
ISTANBUL: Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil, who won the World Cup in 2014, retired from soccer Wednesday at the age of 34.
Özil said injuries played a role in his decision.
“I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” Özil wrote on social media. “But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.”
His immediate retirement brings an early end to his season with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir, where he made only seven appearances for the team.
Özil won the Spanish league title with Real Madrid in 2012 and the FA Cup four times with Arsenal. His international career ended abruptly in 2018 when he quit the Germany squad citing “racism and disrespect.”
That followed anti-Turkish comments from German politicians and abuse from some fans toward Özil, who has Turkish heritage, amid criticism of his decision to pose for a picture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup.
Özil started his career in Germany with hometown club Schalke before a good spell at Werder Bremen earned him a spot on the German national team. Standout performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup were followed by a move to Madrid. He then had an eight-year stint with Arsenal.
Özil moved to Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2021 after his relationship with Arsenal broke down. He was left out of the Arsenal squad for months before his departure following a rift with manager Mikel Arteta. The club also distanced itself from Özil for posting his support for Muslims in the Xinjiang province of China, comments which led to an Arsenal game being pulled from Chinese television.

Argentina must retain competitive edge after World Cup win says Scaloni

Argentina must retain competitive edge after World Cup win says Scaloni
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni speaks during a press conference in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires. AFP
Updated 41 min 35 sec ago

Argentina must retain competitive edge after World Cup win says Scaloni

Argentina must retain competitive edge after World Cup win says Scaloni
  • “We are world champions, but that doesn’t mean we have the right for more, just because we win we can’t do whatever we want,” he told a news conference

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his players need to maintain their high competitive level after beating France on penalties to win the country’s third World Cup in Qatar last year.
Ahead of Thursday’s friendly against Panama, Scaloni spoke about the squad that will feature captain Lionel Messi and the rest of the players who were crowned champions on Dec. 18.
“We are world champions, but that doesn’t mean we have the right for more, just because we win we can’t do whatever we want, that’s what they (the players) have to understand,” he told a news conference.
The coach said his main objective at this stage, after winning the Copa America, ‘Finalissima’ and World Cup, is for the players to understand that they must remain competitive.
“The message is that a new process is beginning: the pitch is what rules; from there on those who are world champions have no advantage, we will have to keep working,” he said.
“The Argentina shirt doesn’t allow you not to give your best, that’s clear to us. Afterwards, it’s good to celebrate, but we have to do our job on the pitch.”
Regarding the lineup for Thursday’s game, Scaloni said that those players who took the field in the World Cup final will start. “I’d like for people to watch their players,” he added.
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and Sevilla forward Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez, who was unable to travel to Argentina on the instructions of the Spanish club, are the two notable absentees from the squad due to injury.
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old Scaloni, named FIFA men’s coach of the year in February, said the debate over whether he manages the best Argentina team in history is pointless.
“We all play for Argentina, we are world champions, who cares who is the best or the worst,” he added.
Argentina also won the World Cup in 1978 on home soil and in 1986 in Mexico led by captain Diego Maradona.
The first match for the “Scaloneta” team since the World Cup triumph will be played in a party atmosphere after celebrations with the players planned for last year could not take place as millions of fans congregated in downtown Buenos Aires.
The crowd congestion led to the squad abandoning their open-top bus parade and flying over the crowd by helicopter.


Adidas launches all-new Saudi Arabian Football Federation home, away jerseys

Adidas launches all-new Saudi Arabian Football Federation home, away jerseys
The home jersey embodies the country’s growth, vitality, and prosperity with a touch of gold-like accents. supplied
Updated 22 March 2023

Adidas launches all-new Saudi Arabian Football Federation home, away jerseys

Adidas launches all-new Saudi Arabian Football Federation home, away jerseys
  • Green home jersey inspired by palm tree featured in national emblem
  • Women’s national team kit features unique design variation in week they receive first ever FIFA world ranking

Riyadh: Adidas has kicked off its partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation with the official launch of the national team’s home and away jerseys.

Inspired by the palm tree featured in the national emblem, the home jersey embodies the country’s growth, vitality, and prosperity with a touch of gold-like accents, adding elegance and a premium feel that will standout both on and off the field.

The women’s national team will be wearing a slightly different jersey to the men’s, with the home kit featuring a unique variation of the same palm tree-inspired design.

It coincides with the women’s team achieving another major milestone by becoming an official FIFA-ranked nation for the first time in their history, further showcasing the federation’s commitment to the growth and development of women’s football in the Kingdom.

The jerseys celebrate Saudi Arabia’s relationship between culture and football. supplied

The white away jersey features dark green sleeves inspired by the country’s flag, with the iconic adidas three stripes in gold. Both jerseys celebrate Saudi Arabia’s relationship between culture and football.

Working together toward a common goal and vision, adidas cements the launch of the new kits with its Weaved as One campaign, which pays homage to the fabric of Saudi culture while simultaneously highlighting themes of unity within football communities and beyond.

The campaign film follows men’s national team players Mohammed Al-Owais, Hassan Tambakti, Hattan Bahebri, and Abdulelah Al-Amri and women’s national team players Farah Jefry, Al-Bandari Mubarak, and Dalia Adel as they journey through Riyadh to present the official jersey to members of diverse communities that make up the DNA of Saudi heritage and sports culture.

From the camel herding community of northern Riyadh who have dedicated their lives to one of the oldest sports in the nation, to the women making waves at the forefront of the motorsports and rally racing industry, and finally the city’s passionate gaming and e-sports enthusiasts – each community was presented with the opportunity to be among the first to wear the jersey as a symbol of togetherness.

The kit launch is the first in a four-year partnership between adidas and the SAFF at a time when football continues to grow at all levels throughout the country.

The jerseys celebrate Saudi Arabia’s relationship between culture and football. supplied

The men’s team performed on the world’s biggest stage with their 2-1 win over Argentina at the FIFA World Cup, while the under-23 team won the 2022 Asian Cup while conceding zero goals.

Last year also saw the establishment of three new age groups (U-16, U-18, and U-19) as part of the Kingdom’s investment in establishing a clear player pathway to the first team.

In addition to the women’s team being a FIFA-ranked nation for the first time, the growth of women’s football will be further enhanced through the introduction of a U-17 team.

Both the home and away kits feature sweat-wicking, moisture-absorbent technology, and specially placed breathable mesh inserts. The range is also made using 100 percent recycled materials.

Bilal Faris, adidas general manager for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, said: “Inspired from the Kingdom’s national emblem, the palm tree, we have ensured that the design of the jerseys embody the country’s goals and growth.

“Through our partnership, we strive to support the federation’s strategy to enhance access to sports for the country and support emerging talents.

“As we celebrate the intrinsic relationship between Saudi culture and football, it’s a collection that I’m hoping players and fans can wear with huge pride, on and off the pitch,” Faris added.

The jerseys celebrate Saudi Arabia’s relationship between culture and football. supplied

On the arrival of the new Green Falcons kit, SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal, said: “We’re extremely proud to usher in this new era for Saudi football with the famous three stripes of adidas emblazoned upon our men’s and women’s national team kits.

“They are a symbol of unity and inspiration, and to see our men, women, boys and girls players, and fans wearing it as one – side to side, shoulder to shoulder – is exactly how football should be.

“In adidas, we have a partner that places equal importance to the women’s national team, which reflects how we operate at the federation. Together we are excited to continue building on the strong momentum of Saudi football across both the men’s and women’s game, while inspiring millions of young footballers along the way,” Al-Misehal added.

The home and away jerseys will be available on adidas.com and at select adidas retailers from March 23.


Yas Heat Racing Academy begins search for future karting stars

Yas Heat Racing Academy begins search for future karting stars
Updated 22 March 2023

Yas Heat Racing Academy begins search for future karting stars

Yas Heat Racing Academy begins search for future karting stars
  • Yas Marina Circuit-based racing academy will host 3 open days on Yas KartZone track from March 25
  • Promising talent will earn spots on the grid at the Yas Heat Racing Championship later this year

ABU DHABI: Yas Heat Racing Academy has announced its first official Yas Heat Racing Karting Open Day on March 25 as part of the team’s search for the fastest young talent to join the karting team in 2023.

Based at the Yas Marina Circuit track on Yas Island, the academy was formed in November 2022 ahead of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and is led by rookie drivers Matteo Quintarelli and Keanu Al-Azhari — who both scored podium finishes on the team’s debut racing weekend.

After an impressive first season competing in the F4 UAE Championship in early 2023, the academy is hosting three official open days in the hope of finding future stars of racing to join the first Yas Heat Karting team this year.

Following the first open day on March 18, karters aged eight to 12 can register for upcoming official open days, with the fastest drivers around the Yas Kartzone track being selected to compete in the Yas Heat Racing Karting Championship.

Matthew Norman, team manager of the Yas Heat Racing Academy, said: “After such a promising start to the year with the academy’s debut season in the F4 UAE Championship, we are delighted to announce the first official Yas Heat Karting Racing Open Days as we continue to search for the brightest and best young drivers across the UAE.

“It’s no secret that the world’s most elite superstars, including those we see each weekend lining up on the Formula One grid, all started their racing journeys through karting, and we hope to find some exciting new talent to join our academy following the new Yas Heat Racing Karting Championship coming later in 2023. We look forward to welcoming the new era of young drivers joining us at the circuit this weekend.”

With the goal to produce homegrown drivers at Yas Marina Circuit and provide young talented drivers with a clear and defined career pathway — from grassroots all the way up to the world stage of motorsport — the Yas Heat Racing Academy aims to inspire the next generation of local UAE racing stars to pursue their dreams, from karting through to FIA-accredited competitions.

The next official Yas Heat Karting Open Day will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. at Yas Kartzone, with further Open Days to come from Saturday, April 1.


Red Bull to launch new football tournament in Riyadh

Red Bull to launch new football tournament in Riyadh
Updated 22 March 2023

Red Bull to launch new football tournament in Riyadh

Red Bull to launch new football tournament in Riyadh
  • Red Bull Four 2 Score will kick off on March 31 with national finals on April 8

RIYADH: Riyadh is set to host Saudi Arabia’s first Red Bull Four 2 Score — a new 4x4 football competition — from Friday, March 31, with national finals following on Saturday, April 8.

The Saudi leg of the Red Bull Four 2 Score championship is part of a series held across different countries in preparation for the world finals that will be hosted in Germany later this year.

The championship, organized in partnership with Red Bull MOBILE, is centered around football matches for teams of four, giving amateur players the chance to showcase their skills in a special competition format.

The all-new tournament comes with a twist that will see each goal doubled in the first and last minute of the 10-minute matches.

The teams of four with one substitute will battle it out in qualifiers from March 31 to April 5 at Koora Park stadiums in Riyadh, in the hope of making it to the national final on April 8.

There will also be a women’s national final held in parallel with the sixth day of the men’s qualifiers on April 5.

The winners of the Saudi final will travel to Germany, where they will be hosted by Red Bull Leipzig and face winning teams from more than 25 countries in a bid to bag the world title.

The rules and concept of the tournament are designed to allow participants to experience Red Bull’s power football philosophy first hand.

In the first and last 60 seconds of the games, teams get goals doubled and there are no breaks or goalkeepers, just the need to score when it matters. Male and female players between the ages of 16 and 35 can participate in the tournament.

Saudi football fans can now register through Red Bull’s official website.