RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will be represented by 178 athletes when the first Gulf Youth Games gets underway this month. The UAE is hosting the inaugural event, which begins on April 16 and continues until May 2.
In total, 3,500 athletes representing Gulf Cooperation Council countries will compete for medals in 24 individual and team sports.
The Kingdom will be represented by 145 men and 33 women in 20 of those sports: handball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, swimming, judo, fencing, archery, cycling, badminton, billiards, karate, taekwondo, chess, jujitsu, boxing, equestrianism, golf, e-sports, and paralympic events.
The Saudi athletes are making their final preparations at internal and external training camps, officials said. This first-ever event of its kind in the Gulf region comes in the run-up to the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris, which will begin on July 26.
Young Saudi athletes prepare for first Gulf Youth Games
https://arab.news/pyhyu
Young Saudi athletes prepare for first Gulf Youth Games
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- 145 men and 33 women will represent the Kingdom in 20 sports at the event, hosted by the UAE between April 16 and May 2
Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh
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- The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion
Riyadh: People are more likely to invest in things they feel connected to, according to the founder and president of Works Collective, Nate Morley, speaking on a panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games” on the second day of the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh.
The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion. They explored the impact of cultural influence on creative industries and emphasized the need to balance cultural authenticity with commercial success.
Je Alipio, director and head of business development at Walt Disney Co. for APAC & MENA, discussed how Disney innovates while maintaining the integrity of its beloved characters and stories.
“It’s really about finding the right partner,” he said, noting that collaborating with like-minded creatives who bring fresh ideas can unlock many opportunities.
Alipio also outlined two approaches to business collaboration: a top-down method, where Disney enters a partner’s space to inform or influence it, and a bottom-up approach, where partners are empowered to expand their ideas on a larger scale under Disney’s guidance.
Khaled Makhshoush, a Saudi artist specializing in digital pixel art, began his career inspired by video games. He discussed the cultural elements featured in his work and how he draws inspiration from his surroundings. “You start to see things — the places you grow up in, the city … that’s the main source of cultural inspiration.”
Makhshoush noted that when creating an image, his focus is not on accuracy but on conveying emotion. By “breaking it down and then rebuilding it” based on his interpretation, he fosters a connection between personal and cultural elements.
In discussing how to create culturally authentic gaming experiences, Morley remarked: “One of the worst things you can do is to be a cultural appropriator.”
He elaborated that while fostering a platform that invites people to contribute and expand ie-spdeas is valuable, appropriating elements from other cultures and using them as your own is problematic.
Morley stressed that collaboration and diversity are key to elevating a brand. He said that within a single brand framework, one can showcase a multitude of voices in various ways, adding that a distinctive mix of backgrounds and industries transforms the brand from a mere “copy and paste” entity into an inclusive “platform for expression.”
Nicola Mizon, COO and co-founder of Kutur Runway and Vitza DGTL, discussed the increasing efforts by fashion brands to integrate into the esports sector through advanced technology. He noted that there is a growing demand for audiences “to look their best.
“We want to create a fashion gaming platform that’s at the intersection of technology, commerce, and games and bring everyone together to celebrate the art of fashion in the digital space,” he said.
This involves engaging in discussions with local designers and creators to understand their needs for a gaming platform that allows them to feel celebrated and unrestricted in their creative expression, such as crafting innovative concepts like “dresses made of fire.”
Expanding the discussion on integrating fashion within both cultural and digital contexts, Reem Al-Kanhal, fashion designer and creative director of brand Reem AlKanhal, said: “Fashion is connected to everything.”
Al-Kanhal emphasized that, given the extensive time newer generations spend online, it is crucial to integrate cultural elements — such as traditional wardrobes and national landmarks — into games for the sake of cultural preservation.
She concluded: “I think (that) owning your story is your power,” highlighting its significance for personal ambition and maintaining cultural connections.
Professional basketball league to launch 4th team in Saudi Arabia
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- The USA-Middle East based NBXL has partnered with the MENA division of sports rights agency Redstrike Global
RIYADH: NBXL, the world’s first USA-Middle East independent professional basketball league, has announced a strategic partnership with Redstrike Arabia.
This partnership marks a milestone in NBXL’s Middle East expansion strategy, particularly in Saudi Arabia where it plans to introduce the franchise’s fourth team.
Christian Villar, founder and owner of NBXL, highlighted how the partnership aligned with NBXL’s goal of extending its reach in the region. He also emphasized its potential to transform professional basketball, especially in Saudi Arabia, which is rapidly becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment.
This initiative promises to unlock new opportunities, spur innovation and enhance visibility, benefiting athletes and fans alike.
Saad Houtan, executive partner of Redstrike Arabia, the newly established Gulf Cooperation Council and Middle East and North Africa region division of sporting agency Redstrike Global, said he was enthusiastic about the partnership’s potential to support the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
“This partnership is a significant step towards fostering a business relationship that not only meets the ambitious goals of Vision 2030 but also promotes sustainable growth and innovation in the region,” he said.
Taekwondo star Dunya Abu Taleb falls short in quest for historic medal
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- Abutaleb has previously earned a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4
PARIS: In a highly anticipated match on Wednesday, taekwondo star Dunya Abu Taleb was defeated by top-ranked Panipak Wongpattanakit in the -49kg category quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She had another chance via the repechage round and entered the bronze medal match against Mobina Nematzadeh later on Wednesday, but fell just short of medal glory.
The 27-year-old from Riyadh had been poised to make history as Saudi Arabia’s first female Olympic medalist, having previously taken a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4.
Her performance at the Games drew significant attention and marked her as a strong contender
Earlier in the competition, Abu Taleb demonstrated her skill and resilience by defeating Israel’s Abishag Semberg in the first bout, advancing her to the quarterfinals. However, despite a commendable effort, she was unable to overcome reigning Olympic champion Wongpattanakit.
Her journey to the Paris Olympics has been a testament to her dedication and skill, and although this setback is disappointing, her performance continues to be a source of pride and inspiration for Saudi sports.
New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes
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- The conference is scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
- A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming
Riyadh: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, with the theme “The Future of Fandom,” will welcome more than 60 speakers and more than 750 delegates from sectors including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment.
Scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, the conference will feature discussions on fan engagement in sports and esports, the changing landscape of fandom, and its impact on the future of sports and entertainment.
A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming. Speakers will address the global debate about the positioning, value and impact of esports athletes.
With more than 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and an estimated 234 million esports athletes, competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon. Esports athletes exhibit the same dedication, discipline and physical skills as traditional sports stars, with rigorous training, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Esports is not just a game; it is a movement that is reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment. The New Global Sport Conference is a testament to the growth and importance of this industry, and a recognition of the stardom of esports athletes and the unmatched passion of esports fans. The conference and the visionaries attending it from all over the world will enable impactful discussions, networking, and collaboration to drive forward the future of esports.”
Meanwhile, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “Esports athletes have proven time and again that they possess the same qualities as traditional sports stars. They train hard, compete fiercely, and inspire millions of fans around the world.
“The New Global Sport Conference is crucial in recognizing their contributions and setting the stage for the future of sports. Esports athletes are real athletes, esports fans are as passionate and loyal as any sports fans, and esports is the new global sport.”
NGSC aims to foster dialogue, partnership and innovation as traditional sports and esports merge. The conference will explore how esports and traditional sports can coexist and enrich the global sports community.
Building on the success of its inaugural event, NGSC will feature sessions on the challenges and opportunities in creating a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in competitive gaming, and storytelling in esports.
Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified
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- Inquiry into the charges took place in May at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse
- The Stewards Committee determined that charges issued against Jason Servis were proved, handing him lifetime ban from racing in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has disqualified the winning horse Maximum Security from the Saudi Cup 2020 after an inquiry showed that its trainer Jason Servis had been involved in misconduct, misadministration, and corrupt practices.
JCSA’s Stewards Committee awarded the title of the winner of the race — which was held at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 29, 2020 — to Midnight Bisou.
The inquiry into the charges took place on May 22-23 this year at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where Servis was put on notice of the inquiry and invited to attend remotely, by himself, or by legal representation, but chose not to do so.
The Stewards Committee determined that the charges issued against Servis were proved and handed him a lifetime ban from racing in Saudi Arabia.
In respect of Maximum Security and the race, it was ordered that the placings be altered to reflect Maximum Security’s disqualification and the prize money to be redistributed accordingly.
A JCSA spokesman said: “The JCSA is satisfied that, following a full disciplinary process, the charges affecting the outcome of the 2020 Saudi Cup have now been determined by the Stewards Committee following a proper investigation.
“The JCSA will abide by the decision of the Stewards Committee. The JCSA looks forward to continuing with preparations for the Saudi Cup 2025 and the 2026 Asian Racing Conference with this matter concluded.”
The spokesman extended the committee’s congratulations to Midnight Bisou.
The JCSA announced the new result had Midnight Bisou in first place, ahead of Benbatl and Mucho Gusto, in second and third respectively.
Fourth to 13th in the race were Tacitus, Gold Dream, Chrysoberyl, Mjjack, Magic Wand, Gronkowski, McKinzie, Great Scot, North America and Capezzano.
Arab News reported at the time of the race that Maximum Security had made history in front of King Salman as the first winner of the Saudi Cup, claiming the winning prize of $10 million in the world’s richest horse race.
Luis Saez rode the Servis-trained 4-year-old to a victory many had predicted, leaving Midnight Bisou in second ($3.5 million) and Benbatl third ($2 million).