Riyadh begins preparations for 2023 World Combat Games

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The organizing committee of the World Combat Games in Riyadh is preparing to host the event for the first time in the Middle East. (Supplied)
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The organizing committee of the World Combat Games in Riyadh is preparing to host the event for the first time in the Middle East. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 August 2023
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Riyadh begins preparations for 2023 World Combat Games

  • More than 2,500 athletes and officials from 80 countries will take part in the event across 16 combat sports

RIYADH: The organizing committee of the World Combat Games in Riyadh is preparing to host the event for the first time in the Middle East.

The games are set to take place from Oct. 20 to Oct. 30 at the King Saud University Sports Arena. Ian Reid, CEO of the 2023 World Combat Games, confirmed that the committee was closely monitoring all preparations for the global event. 

“In two months from now, all eyes will be on Riyadh as the World Combat Games kick off,” Reid said. “We look forward to organizing an exceptional event that exceeds expectations, that befits the Kingdom’s status, while confirming its capabilities and potential that qualify it to host and organize major international sports events and solidifying its leading position in the sports community, especially combat sports,” he said.

Reid said that he and his team were driven by the desire to write a new Saudi success story, spearheaded by the support for the event from King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the confidence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports and president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. 

More than 2,500 athletes and officials from 80 countries will take part in the event across 16 combat sports, including aikido, boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, wushu and fencing.


Rabiot double lifts Milan after early scare at Como

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Rabiot double lifts Milan after early scare at Como

  • Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points

COMO, Italy: AC Milan came from behind to earn a 3-1 victory at Como on Thursday, with Adrien Rabiot scoring twice to keep the away side in the Serie ​A title race.
Milan are second in the standings on 43 points, three behind rivals Inter Milan and three clear of Napoli in third, while Como are sixth with 34 points.
Como made the brighter start and took the lead after 10 minutes when Marc-Oliver Kempf rose to head home a corner.
Despite the hosts controlling much of the first half, Milan struck ‌in stoppage ‌time as Christopher Nkunku calmly converted ‌from ⁠the ​penalty spot ‌after Kempf was penalized for pushing Rabiot.
Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced a series of strong saves to keep Como at bay after the break before Milan took the lead in the 55th minute when Rabiot knocked the ball in from close range.
Como were denied an equalizer as Nico Paz saw his effort from outside ⁠the box crash against the crossbar. Milan then sealed the win two minutes ‌from time when Rabiot caught the Como ‍defense off guard with a ‍low strike from distance that crept into the bottom corner.
“This ‍was a team victory, we showed our mentality,” Rabiot told DAZN after being named Man of the Match.
“We suffered a lot in the first half, but we talked during the break, came out with ​a different mentality, we all came out fighting for the three points.
“We gave something extra and I am ⁠very happy to score two goals, obviously, but above all I’m pleased with the mentality of the team.”
While Rabiot provided the goals, another Frenchman, goalkeeper Maignan, made his mark with a string of crucial saves.
“We knew that playing here would be difficult, we were well-prepared. We started a little sluggish and they scored, but we managed to keep the game open, and then all together started to play as a team,” Maignan said.
“We know these are great nights for Milan with an atmosphere like this. ‌We suffered, we used up a lot of energy and left it all on the field.”