RIYADH: Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal on Wednesday will inaugurate the Peace and Sport Middle East Forum 2023 in the Saudi capital.
Under the theme “Sport is an answer for peace,” the two-day forum will bring together international experts and local decision-makers to discuss and define policies promoting sport as a means of transmitting positive values, attitudes and behavior.
The forum has been organized by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and is being hosted for the first time in Riyadh.
High-level speakers are expected to share their stories and visions on the use of sport as a tool to promote a culture of peace, a media statement said on Tuesday.
Since its creation in 2007, Peace and Sport has been advocating worldwide for sporting activities as a means to foster social bonds, empower youth, and cultivate peaceful coexistence among communities.
The international organization promotes sport as a catalyst for peace and collective well-being through dialogue.
Sport also plays a significant role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, driving change in the Kingdom, while prestigious sport events and high-level athletes help to create a healthy, active nation.
Riyadh hosts Peace and Sport Middle East Forum 2023
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Riyadh hosts Peace and Sport Middle East Forum 2023
- Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal inaugurates two-day event
- Forum organized by Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee will bring together global experts and local decision-makers
Guardiola hails Man City’s ‘massive’ win over Newcastle
- Guardiola’s second-placed side closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points with their tense victory at the Etihad Stadium
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Pep Guardiola labelled Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday as a “massive” moment in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola’s second-placed side closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to just two points with their tense victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Nico O’Reilly put City ahead in the first half and restored the lead before half-time after Lewis Hall had equalized.
City weren’t at their best in the second half, but they held on to pile pressure on spluttering Arsenal, who travel to Tottenham for the north London derby on Sunday.
Guardiola knew it was essential to make Arsenal sweat.
“Massive. Newcastle is an incredible team, awesome in physicality and speed they have up front. Physicality in the middle. Really tough but the team was unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s coming in best part of the season. Every single game will be similar to today.”
After finishing without a trophy last season, City are back in the hunt for the seventh English title of Guardiola’s reign.
They will have a game in hand on Arsenal after this weekend and are guaranteed to win the title if they win their last 11 league matches.
Guardiola has embarked on an expensive overhaul of City’s squad in the last 12 months, shedding aging stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and Kyle Walker and bringing in the likes of Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.
The Spaniard is well aware that his new generation largely lacks the experience of winning under the pressure of a title race, which made their gritty success against Newcastle even more meaningful.
“70 percent of the players have never been in that situation, and I don’t play. So we have to live it, they know that every game will be like this,” he said.
“Especially at home, with five home games left. Today was the best crowd of the year, it was unbelievable with our people, really proud to be manager of these incredible people and fans.
“Of course in terms of points it’s important, but we have to improve to have chance to compete until the end. Now we deserve three more days off. Then another battle in Leeds.”
Guardiola singled out O’Reilly for praise after the young England midfielder’s pair of clinical finishes showed he won’t be affected by the strain of chasing Arsenal.
“Nico give us in the middle that physicality that we need. He now plays in his position,” he said.
“He has always played that, he is so complete and so young. I am really pleased the academy produced these incredible players, Nico, Phil (Foden), Rico (Lewis).”
