Sports

Is Saudi Arabia A Major Sporting Hub?

Published

1 year ago

December 29, 2022

With the city of Jeddah once again buzzing ahead of one of the most anticipated boxing rematches in history, one cannot help but notice how frequent such scenes are becoming in Saudi Arabia.

Whether it’s the highly anticipated bout between Oleksandr Usyuk and Anthony Joshua or another major sporting event altogether, the Kingdom is hosting more and more international sporting events across its country.

All of this is part of Saudi Arabia’s wide-ranging economic transformation plan, Saudi Vision 2030. Launched in 2016, one of its goals was to establish the Kingdom as a regional hub for sporting events of the highest quality, enhancing their citizens’ lives and generating jobs for them.

As of today, Saudi Arabian Sports are indeed taking center stage in the Kingdom, following the trend of high-tech, entrepreneurial, and culturally driven industries. But what else does this change bring to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Plans of Tourism

With just a few short years in the making, Saudi Arabia has already hosted some of the biggest sporting events worldwide, boosting employment, tourism, and hospitality.

The launch of their e-visa in 2018 is only affirming this, allowing for tourism to blossom. As an area eager to be promoted by the Saudis, tourism is well underway to reach hosting 100 million tourists by 2030. Hosting major sporting events with a mixture of luxury resorts and full entertainment calendars is just one of the many benefits planned to make this dream a reality.

From the tarmacs of Formula One and the bumpy routes of the Dakar desert race to the Royal Greens Golf Country Club, Saudi Arabia has vastly improved upon its entertainment infrastructure and plans on adding more in the future.

For example, their successful bid to host the 2034 Asian games is a significant indicator of the long-term plans of the Kingdom to overhaul its overall national development. To add more, there are rumors of a possible bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

Transforming the Role of Women in Sports

Another important part of their reform agenda is the role of women in sports. Developing several strategies to allow women in sports has included establishing a Women’s Football League and a Woman’s Regional Football League.

Even though women’s participation in sports is lower than that of men – 11.62% contrary to 32.6% (as totaled for 2019) – Saudi Arabia’s sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal stated, “We’ve seen an increase of active women participation in sports by about 149 percent from 2015 till today. Only five years ago, women were not allowed to participate in the street but it’s a completely different ball game today.”

“By participating in athletic events, women achieve so much more,” Hala Al-Hamrani, founder of the first female boxing gym in Saudi Arabia, said. “The undercard and the government’s support is a big deal, showing that women’s involvement in the sport in any way is no longer taboo.”

A Flurry of Sporting Events

The year 2018 was a significant year in the Kingdom regarding sporting events, championships, and tournaments. Callum Smith beat George Groves in Jeddah and won the WBA super-middleweight title and World Boxing Super Series crown, and the Ad Diriyah E-Prix is also in the books.

Since then, Saudi Arabia has hosted the Saudi Cup – the world’s richest horse race – the golf’s Saudi International, the Supercopa de Espana, the Supercoppa Italiana, the Championship for Parachuting, the Clash of Dunes between Joshua and Ruiz Jr., the Diriyah Tennis Cup and the Battle of the Champions BMX and skateboarding tournament.

With some setbacks in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 followed with a major bang. The crowning glory – the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, had firmly established itself as the venue for international sports events.

Hosting events is not all the Kingdom has contributed to sports. Young athletes from Saudi Arabia have also achieved significant victories, such as Tarek Hamdi winning silver in Karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as impressive performances in the 2022 FIFA World cup.

As of now, the Kingdom is set on hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, with the Asian Winter Games planned in 2029.

Conclusion

From past and present events to the future planned ones, Saudi Vision 2030 has a lot to offer in the world of sports. Its benefits even reach a positive knock-on effect on health and fitness activity uptake among the Saudi population, with a new survey revealing that almost half the population now practices physical activities at least 30 minutes a week.

All of this goes to demonstrate the key milestones created by Vision 2030, aiming to build a vibrant and healthy society while contributing to the world of sports worldwide.

Sports

Kentucky Oaks Results 2024: Winner, Payouts and Order of Finish

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2024

Manoj Nair

It was Thorpedo Anna day at the 150th Longines Kentucky Oaks and she was unstoppable. On a rainy Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs Thorpedo Annatook an early lead and she maintained the lead all through the race to grab the coveted garland of lilies. Thorpedo Anna won the 150th at 4-1 odds with a time of 1:50.83.and the runner-up, Just F Y I finished at 7-2 odds and Regulatory Risk had 29-1 odds and finished third.

Thorpedo Anna was being trained by three-time runner-up at the event Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr who was also participating in the race for the sixth time in his career. It was the 150^th edition of Kentucky Oaks event in which female riders took part in the race prior to the Kentucky Derby.

Thopedo Anna’s jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., said “I felt confident. She was out there and feeling comfortable. It means so much to win it for this team. Kenny and his barn have done a lot for my career.”

McPeek dubbed the filly “rapid fast” in an earlier interview and said “I mean, she, Uncle Mo on the bottom line of her pedigree and she can turn it over at a moment’s notice, and that’s what you need,” he said.

He added, “She was a bear today. She has been training great and when I saw Brian had the race in control I thought she could do it. It’s just so amazing to finally win this race. We’ve been close for a long time but it’s a great feeling to get it done.”

Here’s the breakdown of how the fillies finished in this $1.5 million Grade 1 stakes race.

Results	(Purse: $1.5 million)
Win:	Thorpedo Anna ($10.98 win, $6.06 place, $4.36show)
Runners Up:	Just F Y I ($5.06 place, $3.98 show)
Third:	Regulatory Risk ($11.82 show)

Order of Finish

Thorpedo Anna
Just F Y I
Regulatory Risk
Ways and Means
Everland
Power Squeeze
Into Champagne
Lemon Muffin
Tarifa
Where’s My Ring
Our Pretty Woman
Gin Gin
Leslie’s Rose
Fiona’s Magic

Thorpedo Anna was given a tough time in the first half of the race by Ways and Means. However Thorpedo Anna and Ways and Means faltered and fell back as Just F Y I and Regulatory Risks pulled ahead late. A minor injury forced Tapit Jenallie, a filly to withdraw from the race due to a minor injury. Our Pretty Woman took her place. Next up is the colts.

The 150th Run of the Roses is set to take place Saturday at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Sports

Anthony Davis’ New Back Tattoo Is Based On His Career Timeline Drawn By Steve Wiebe

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

Shreshtha Banerjee

Anthony Davis' New Back Tattoo Is Based On His Career Timeline Drawn By Steve Wiebe

Anthony Davis is a well-known NBA player who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers team. Being a basketball player and a pretty damn good one, he also has a series of tattoo scribbles on his body which induce his good and give him the swagger that he has.

Anthony Davis’ New Back Tattoo Meaning

Davis already has a couple of tattoos all over his body, but now he introduced a new one, and this time it’s on his back. Tattoos are generally something that is permanent and is emotionally connected to the person who gets it.

When it comes to Davis, this time he tattooed something that shows his career growth and how he has come down the line. Competitive sports can be difficult, and as the name suggests, there are tons of competition before one can grow and fully establish their name.

Anthony Davis new back tattoo so fye 🔥

“Started with a dream” with his chips on all levels pic.twitter.com/t9Glc8TcQ2— † (@HoodiHachimura) May 3, 2024

Davis’ tattoo is a phrase, “started with a dream,” which details his path to success. That tattoo also includes the NCAA championship trophy from Kentucky’s 2012 and the Larry O’Brien Trophy from the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Finals. In his right thigh, Davis has a tattoo that honors Kobe Bryant, which he got back in 2020 when he died in the helicopter crash.

Back in the year 2011-12, Davis used to play for the university team of the University of Kentucky. Then, in 2012, he got selected by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft. He started getting his head in the game and then got tagged as the national college player of the year, which was noted unanimously.

Through the years, Davis performed his best to rise to the top; he is a fan favorite now. His new tattoo is drawn by Steve Wiebe and netizens online are in awe of how beautiful and inspiring the tattoo looks.

Also Check: LaMelo Ball Reveals His New Back Tattoo, Fans and Netizens Remain Unimpressed

Sports

Who is Jalen Brunson’s girlfriend? Who is the American basketball point guard dating?

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2024

Vishnu Chaudhary

Who is Jalen Brunson?

Jalen Brunson is an American professional basketball point guard known for his remarkable skills and contributions to the New York Knicks in the NBA. Born on August 31, 1996, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Brunson’s journey to NBA stardom is marked by his dedication, talent, and perseverance.

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A post shared by Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1)

Is Jalen Brunson Dating Anyone?

Yes, Jalen Brunson is in a committed relationship with his high school sweetheart, Ali Marks. Their love story began in October 2013 during their time at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Who is Jalen Brunson’s Girlfriend?

Ali Marks, born on September 10, 1995, is more than just Jalen Brunson’s girlfriend; she’s his wife. The couple tied the knot on July 29, 2023, after a romantic proposal on the basketball court of their high school gym.

Jalen Brunson Family: Parents

Jalen Brunson’s parents, Rick and Sandra Brunson have been instrumental in his journey. Rick Brunson, a former NBA player, and Sandra Brunson, a former volleyball player at Temple University, have been supportive of Jalen’s career from the beginning.

Jalen Brunson Career

Brunson’s basketball journey started in high school, where he excelled and earned numerous accolades. He continued his success at Villanova University, winning two NCAA championships and earning several individual awards. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, Brunson has since become a key player in the NBA, recently signing a lucrative contract with the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson’s Net Worth

With a successful NBA career, endorsements, and contracts, Jalen Brunson has amassed a net worth of $7 million. His recent contract with the New York Knicks reflects his value as a talented athlete in the league.

Jalen Brunson: Height and Weight

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighing 190 lbs (86 kg), Jalen Brunson possesses the physical attributes and skills that have made him a formidable presence on the basketball court.

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