Saudi Arabia ‘an emerging sporting nation’ globally: Shaima Al-Husseini

Saudi Arabia ‘an emerging sporting nation’ globally: Shaima Al-Husseini
Shaima Al-Husseini, Managing Director at Sports For All Federation. (SFA)
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Updated 14 March 2024
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Saudi Arabia ‘an emerging sporting nation’ globally: Shaima Al-Husseini

Saudi Arabia ‘an emerging sporting nation’ globally: Shaima Al-Husseini
  • The managing director of the Sports for All Federation talks to Arab News about the success of the recent Riyadh Marathon, community events and the rising participation of Saudi women

Shaima Al-Husseini, managing director at the Saudi Sports for All Federation, has overseen a remarkable rise in participation across sporting codes and physical activities in the Kingdom over the last few years.

Whether in the various community programs that have been established by the federation or in official competitions, engagement is well on track to meet the targets set by the country’s Vision 2023 and Quality of Life program to produce a more active and healthier society.

Al-Husseini spoke to Arab News about the strides made in recent years.

Arab News: The recent 2024 Riyadh Marathon saw a record number of runners. Tell us what that means to you and sports in Saudi Arabia?

Al-Husseini: The significant participation in the 2024 Riyadh Marathon is a testament to the growing importance of sports in Saudi Arabia. It reflects a cultural shift towards embracing physical activity as an integral part of our society.

With over 20,000 participants, including a record 60 percent Saudi nationals, the marathon signifies a unifying force that brings people together irrespective of nationality, gender or background.

The speed at which this development has taken place should also be noted, this is only the event’s third edition, yet the 2024 Riyadh Marathon saw 20,000 participants. In 2022, it attracted 10,000 runners, meaning a 100 percent rise in just two years.

It underscores the success of the SFA’s efforts in promoting a healthier lifestyle, and demonstrates that sports have become a vehicle for fostering inclusivity, promoting personal well-being, and enhancing social cohesion within our communities.

Also, the increased participation showcases Saudi Arabia as an emerging sporting nation on the global stage, contributing to the country’s reputation and profile in the international sports arena.

Are we seeing more people from outside Saudi Arabia taking part in the Riyadh Marathon?

The Riyadh Marathon has become increasingly attractive to participants from outside Saudi Arabia, as evidenced by the diverse representation of runners from 125 countries in the 2024 edition.

This trend highlights the growing international recognition and appeal of the marathon as a premier sporting event. The event has been a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race since the start, and if you look at the elite male and female runners winning the top cash prizes, they are from Morocco, Ethiopia and Kenya.

The influx of international participants not only enriches the overall experience but promotes cultural exchange and global engagement. It reflects positively on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a hub for sports tourism, and underscores its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events that resonate globally.

As we continue to enhance the marathon’s overall experience, we anticipate further growth in international participation in the coming years.

Does having shorter runs like 10 km and 4 km translate into significant increases in participation from local communities and families?

Offering shorter runs like the 10 km and the 4 km family run has been instrumental in driving increased participation from local communities and families. Currently, these events attract the most runners on the day.

The shorter distances cater to a broader spectrum of participants, including beginners, families, and individuals who may not be ready for longer distances like the full or half-marathon, but can pave the way to longer distances in the future.

By providing options that are accessible and achievable for everyone, we’ve witnessed a surge in participation from both the younger and older age groups.

These shorter runs not only promote inclusivity, with the 4 km (open to all, with children accompanied by an adult) and 10 km races (ages 17 and above) acknowledging that 75 percent of those competing in the event are classified as youth, but also foster a culture of active living within households, encouraging family members to engage in physical activity.

The SFA is involved in a number of community sports and events, what other increases in participation and engagement are we seeing across the Kingdom?

We are starting to see increases across the board. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in 2021, 48.2 percent of the resident population engaged in physical activity for at least 30 minutes per week, while 29.7 percent devoted at least 150 minutes.

These figures mark a commendable increase of 3.2 and 9.7 percentage points, respectively, compared to 2019.

And we see increases in various target sectors. Our own youth activities have seen growing numbers, with more than 43,000 memberships across 45 Neighborhood Clubs, representing 55 percent male, and 45 percent female.

Female participation rates in physical activity for 30 minutes per week increased to more than 40 percent in 2022, jumping from being less than 16 percent in 2018.

The SFA’s goals are guided by Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program. Since joining the SFA in 2019, how have you seen the journey towards those goals?

Since joining the SFA, I feel we’ve made significant strides. The journey towards a healthier and more active population has been marked by notable achievements, including increased participation rates in physical activities across the Kingdom.

Through targeted initiatives, strategic partnerships, and innovative programs, we’ve successfully engaged diverse segments of society, from youth to adults, in adopting healthier lifestyles and embracing the benefits of physical activity.

Our efforts have also extended beyond traditional sports to encompass a wide range of activities, from community fitness events to cultural festivals, thereby catering to diverse interests and preferences.

I think we’ve witnessed a cultural shift towards valuing health and well-being, with more individuals incorporating physical activity into their daily lives.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program, driving further progress towards a more active, inclusive, and prosperous Saudi society.

Women’s sports have been on the rise in Saudi Arabia in recent years. Tell us about the role that the SFA plays in that.

Women’s sports have been on the rise. For the 2024 Riyadh Marathon, we had 7,295 female participants. This compares to previous years, where we had 5,123 in 2023, and 3,297 in 2022. So in two years, the number of females has more than doubled.

The SFA has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s sports in Saudi Arabia, spearheading initiatives to promote inclusivity, empowerment, and participation among female athletes. The number of participations for sports activities for females is now 401,810 per year.

In 2023, our Neighborhood Clubs had 19,962 female memberships out of a total 45,935. The all-female Global Goals World Cup event attracts more than 200 participants, and we see more than 190 attending the women’s days in our SFA domes. Total female participation for the first and second phases of our three-part sports program, aimed at those aged 35-50, is more than 13,000.

And out of more than 1,700 community sports groups, 120 are led by females.

Through targeted programs and strategic partnerships, we’ve created platforms for women to pursue their sporting passions, break barriers, and achieve their full potential.

One of our landmark initiatives was the establishment of the Women’s Football League in November 2020, which marked a significant milestone in the history of women’s sports in the Kingdom.

Since then, we’ve continued to support and expand opportunities for women across various sports disciplines, from football to running to functional fitness.

Additionally, our efforts extend beyond the field of play to address broader societal challenges and promote gender equality through sports. As a result, we’ve witnessed more women embracing sports as a pathway to personal growth and empowerment.

What are the SFA’s big plans in the coming months and years?

We have ambitious plans to further advance the sports landscape in the Kingdom, such as continuing to invest in infrastructure, facilities, and programs to make sports more accessible to all, developing talent, and promoting health and wellness.

After the Riyadh Marathon, we had the all-female Global Goals World Cup in March, which is about sport and promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Then our effective #MoveYourWorld social media campaign is back in the summer, so is our SFA Expo, and we’re sure to participate again in the iF3 Functional Fitness World Championships later in the year.

We’ll continue to develop our app and explore new ways to incorporate the data provided by wearables, as well as AI, to keep building incentives and more personalization for users.

We’re also looking at other ways to incentivize females, creating opportunities for parents, mothers, and their children to practice or play together.


F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules

F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules
Updated 58 sec ago
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F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules

F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules
Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA“
The standard fine is 10,000 euros but punishments for F1 drivers are multiplied by four

PARIS: Formula 1 drivers could be suspended from racing or lose championship points for swearing or making political statements under new rules from the series’ governing body, the FIA.
That could deepen a rift with the drivers, who criticized the FIA last year after Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing in FIA news conferences.
These measures published by the FIA on Wednesday apply to “misconduct,” which is defined by the FIA as including both offensive language and physical assault, or for acts deemed to cause “moral injury or loss” to the FIA and auto racing in general.
Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA” without written approval in advance.
The new regulations are labeled as a “guideline to assist stewards” on punishments and fines starting from 40,000 euros ($41,600) for an F1 driver’s first offense. The standard fine is 10,000 euros but punishments for F1 drivers are multiplied by four.
The suggested fine doubles for a second offense, along with a suspended one-month ban. A third offense within a two-year period carries a proposed fine of 120,000 euros ($125,000) for an F1 driver, a one-month ban and the loss of an unspecified number of championship points.
In cases involving political, religious or personal statements, the FIA regulations also specify the stewards should demand a “public apology and repudiation of comments.”

Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush

Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush
Updated 23 January 2025
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Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush

Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush
  • 25-year-old joins Premier League champions from Eintracht Frankfurt on four-and-a-half-year deal for undisclosed fee
  • Omar Marmoush: ‘I’m very happy to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City - it’s an honor for me to raise my country’s name here in the English league’

MANCHESTER: Egyptian international forward Omar Marmoush has completed his move from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt to English Premier League champions Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Although the transfer fee was not officially disclosed by the clubs, UK media have speculated it is close to $72.8 million.

Since joining Eintracht Frankfurt from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023, Marmoush has netted 37 goals and registered 20 assists in 67 appearances.

The 25-year-old spoke to Manchester City’s official club channel.

On being the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City

I’m very happy to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City. It’s an honor for me to raise my country’s name here in the English league. This is just the beginning, and it will be a successful start. I can’t wait to be on the field and show everyone what I can do. Over the coming days, we’ll work hard to prove that and make it happen.

On support from fans in the Middle East

I’m honored to be here, and I’m very happy to be here. God willing, this will be a successful start. In the coming period, I hope it will be great for me, the club, and the fans. We’ll hope to achieve many championships and victories.

On having former City players as role models

Ever since I was young, I used to watch Sergio Aguero, because he had a playing style similar to mine. He wasn’t a big striker but he always moved into spaces and when the ball reached his feet, he was dangerous. So Aguero, of course.


India’s struggle to meet expectations

India’s struggle to meet expectations
Updated 23 January 2025
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India’s struggle to meet expectations

India’s struggle to meet expectations
  • An early sign of concern emerged with the unexpected, and surprisingly timed, decision of Ravichandra Ashwin to announce his retirement from international cricket

At first all seemed well for India’s men’s team on their recent five-Test series tour of Australia.

In early December the opening Test at Perth witnessed a handsome 295 runs victory for the tourists. This came on the back of a surprise home series defeat by New Zealand. By the end of the Perth Test, it was Australia who were in disarray, faced with accusations of being underprepared. If the team were stung by this opprobrium, they achieved a sharp turnaround in fortunes, drawing the second Test and winning the last three.

Ultimately, the Indian squad were in serious disarray. An early sign of this emerged with the unexpected, and surprisingly timed, decision of Ravichandra Ashwin to announce his retirement from international cricket. This occurred in a press conference after the third Test in Brisbane, for which he was not selected, when he sat alongside his captain, Rohit Sharma.

It was a very low-key manner in which to end an illustrious career. Ashwin played 106 Tests, becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, with 537. Undoubtedly, this number would have been higher had he not been frequently overlooked for selection in overseas conditions. This pattern continued in Australia and it seems that Ashwin had reached the end of his tether.

Many observers were of the view that such a glittering career ought to have been marked by a farewell Test in front of appreciative supporters. This would have been a fitting tribute to his immense contribution to the game. A part of that was his intellectual approach, which facilitated his continual evolvement as a player.

As if to prove the point, he said that a farewell Test was not necessary, observing: “I’ve learned one thing: not everything goes the way you want it to.” He added that he still had plenty of cricket left in him but the place for that to happen was “obviously not in the Indian dressing room.”

Anyone who has played team sport, at any level, will be familiar with the fragile nature of team and dressing room culture. It takes much time, effort and psychology to nurture, and sometimes can be broken by a single incident. More often, in my experience, it is broken by steady, often imperceptible, erosion.

India’s team are in transition. Ashwin has gone, Sharma and Kohli appear to be near the end. Several others are on the brink. India’s current coach, Gautam Gambhir, has been in post for six months and inherited a team culture built largely by his predecessor, Ravi Shastri, and the aggressively driven Kohli.

Gambhir’s task is to effect a transition but the Indian cricketing fan base is impatient and demanding. Disappointment with the series result in Australia has been swiftly addressed by India’s selectors, but not in a way that was expected.

There has been no culling of the squad for the Champions Trophy, which will be played in one-day-international format. Instead, in an astonishing and extraordinary move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a “10-point diktat.” This specifies restrictions on what players can and cannot do and is designed to “promote discipline, unity and a positive environment” by reining in its errant troops.

These are no ordinary troops. They are exceedingly wealthy, have film star lives, are the center of attraction in India and are largely cocooned within a protective entourage. Something seems to have snapped within the BCCI’s hierarchy. One might ask how it came to this stage. It is guaranteed that the restrictions will irritate the players.

In particular, families can now only join players for a maximum of two weeks during tours exceeding 45 days. Also, players will now be required to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Apparently, this measure is a reaction to instances of several high-profile players travelling separately. This also seems to have been the case at scheduled practice sessions. Now they are required to stay for the entire duration of practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue.

Another measure is that personal staff, including managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel will now be restricted from accompanying players on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. It may seem incredulous to mere spectators that individual players have a traveling entourage as opposed to one for the whole team or one provided by the high-end hotels where they stay.

The BCCI has made it mandatory for players to participate in domestic matches, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to grassroots cricket. Exemptions from this mandate will require formal notification and approval from Ajit Agarkar, the chair of selectors. Sharma has already baulked at this, pointing out that there is so little opportunity within a crowded international calendar. He last played in a Ranji Trophy match in 2015, whilst Kohli’s last appearance was in 2012.

These measures could be interpreted as ones designed to challenge the resolve of those close to the end of their international careers. Ashwin has ended his and one of the 10 BCCI measures might be a nod in his direction. Now players must stay with the team even if matches or series conclude earlier than scheduled. Of course, this does not imply that mid-series retirements are disallowed, but it does suggest they are unwelcome.

It remains to be seen how the players will react to the 10 points. All national boards and teams have policies in place for expected behaviors. The BCCI appears to be attempting to reclaim lost territory. India now have a T20 and ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy and a summer tour to England. After that, a much-altered team may emerge.

Apart from this domestic skirmish, the BCCI is true to form externally. It is a month before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy and reports suggest that India have objected to the host nation, Pakistan, being printed on their team jerseys. In addition, there is rumor that the BCCI does not want to send its captain to the opening ceremony.

This, for many, is petty behavior. India has riches of cricketing talent, an abundance of money and boundless ambition, but a failure, so far, to translate that into a clean sweep of trophies.


Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

Brazilian footballer neymar junior. supplied
Brazilian footballer neymar junior. supplied
Updated 23 January 2025
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Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

Brazilian footballer neymar junior. supplied
  • ‘Moving in Elegance’ campaign part of company’s official team sponsorship
  • Handover ceremony embodies partnership between Genesis and Saudi Pro League champions

RIYADH: Luxury vehicle brand Genesis Riyadh has presented its latest top-of-the-range cars to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.

The handover to the club’s personnel, including players and management, was part of the company’s larger agreement as Al-Hilal’s official car sponsor.

The slogan “Moving in Elegance” reflects the stature of the football club and cements the start of the car company’s activities in Riyadh for 2025. 

“This special ceremony between Genesis and Al-Hilal, the leading team in the region, reaffirms a long-term strategic partnership that we and the club cherish. The strong partnership is emphasized by the shared values that unite us, which are excellence and elegance,” said Ahmed Marshidi, chief operating officer at Genesis Al-Wallan.

Last season, Al-Hilal made football history by setting an unparalleled record of 34 consecutive victories across various competitions. This remarkable winning streak, which spanned September 2023 to April 2024, captured global headlines and cemented the club’s place in sporting history.


Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship

Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship
Updated 23 January 2025
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Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship

Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship
  • The mixed martial arts competition will take place at Mubadala Arena on Jan. 25-26

ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced the launch of the first edition of the UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship, scheduled for Jan. 25-26 at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The championship, initially planned as a one-day event, has been extended to two days due to the high number of registrations. It will feature male and female athletes representing various clubs and academies across the UAE.

Competitors will take to the cage in youth and senior categories, including Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years).For the first time in local mixed martial arts championships, the event will also include a Youth D category (11–12 years). 

The championship will also feature competitions in the senior category (18 years and above), adding a heightened level of excitement and competition to the event.

Mohammed Jassim Al-Hosani, a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the Federation, said the championship reflected the vision of the country’s leadership in supporting sports and athletes.

“The addition of the senior category to the championship underscores the continuous development of mixed martial arts in the UAE. This category contributes to raising the overall level of competition while enriching the experiences of younger athletes,” he added.