Saudi Arabia is heading to Tokyo 2020 with its largest ever Olympic Games delegation of athletes following 11 previous participations that began in 1976 in Montreal.
A total of 33 athletes, 31 male and two female, will represent the Kingdom in the Games, which start on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.
Of these, 22 make up the under-23 football squad, with the other 11 competitors taking part in nine other sports.
The number of sports the Kingdom will compete in also beats the previous high by a Saudi delegation, which was six at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
On Monday, judoka Tahani Al-Qahtani became the latest Saudi athlete to confirm her place in Tokyo, joining Sulaiman Hamad in the judo competition; Siraj Al-Saleem and Mahmoud Al-Ahmeed in weightlifting; Husein Alireza in rowing; Tarek Hamdi in karate; Youssef Bouarish in swimming; Ali Al-Khadrawi in table tennis; Saeed Al-Mutairi in shooting; and runners Yasmine Al-Dabbagh and Mazen Al-Yassin in athletics, as well as the 22 players who will represent the Saudi Olympic football team.
Saudi Arabia sending biggest ever Olympics delegation to Tokyo
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Saudi Arabia sending biggest ever Olympics delegation to Tokyo
- The 33, including the 22-man football squad, will compete in nine different sports, also a Saudi record
Dubai Basketball introduce 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic as they stay perfect in ABA League
- Winning streak now at 12-0 after the team’s 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball extended their winning streak to 12-0 in the ABA League with a 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Monday.
The game also marked a historic moment for the club and basketball development in the UAE. Tomislav Vuckovic, 17, became the first Dubai Basketball Academy player to start for the senior team in official competition.
His inclusion represents a significant milestone in the club’s long-term vision to help young players become professionals, according to a statement from the team.
The opening quarter did not unfold in line with Dubai’s usual standards. Borac Mozzart began with confidence and tempo, capitalizing on early lapses to take a 23-19 lead after the first 10 minutes.
As the former NBA duo McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon orchestrated the offence, Dubai gradually took control and went into halftime with a 41-37 advantage.
Dubai’s depth played a key role as the game progressed. Contributions from newcomer Kenan Kamenjas, and Dubai veterans Nemanja Dangubic and Klemen Prepelic, helped sustain the advantage.
Borac’s efforts were largely driven by Marko Josilo and Diante Baldwin. Without consistent support, the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the performance, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “It was not an easy game, especially after such a tight schedule.
“We did not start well, but we found our rhythm in the second half and made the game easier. Everyone shared minutes, nobody got injured, and that is the most important thing for us.”
Dubai managed the final quarter with composure, closing out the contest without allowing the margin to come under threat. Bacon led the scoring with 15 points, while Kamenjas added 13 and seven rebounds.
The team now head into round 22 of the EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna, standing 12th in the league, one position above Dubai.
