BY AEVAN CARO
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 not only addresses the Kingdom’s economy but also the opportunities in various lifestyle sectors like entertainment and sports. As part of the vision’s implementation of social and lifestyle changes, Saudi Arabia is focusing on sports, participation in worldwide sports and gaming events, and ongoing development of sports infrastructure.
Pursuing the promotion and reinforcement of sports value among youth and athletes, the General Sports Authority (GSA) is among the government bodies that continues to spread-out historic changes currently happening in the Kingdom.
“GSA aims to achieve world class competitive sport which intends to attain higher participation and representation in international sports.”
They remain focused in increasing the number of sports activities and the involvement of more individuals including the Saudi women’s participation and contribution.
The football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Batin last January 12, 2018 marked a momentous evolution in the Kingdom’s sports culture where women were allowed to attend for the first time following the Saudi government’s announcement of lifting the ban on women in stadiums. This historic event which initially took place in King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and followed by two more matches in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, is part of the Saudi government’s reform in providing greater rights for women.
The stadiums allotted a “family section” bordered by barriers separating the women and families from the male-only spectators. Designated entrances, parking lots, praying areas, and restrooms for female fans were prepared as well.
To achieve higher participation in international sports, GSA brought the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Greatest Royal Rumble to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah last April 27, 2018.
Around 60,000 attendees, both male and female, were entertained by WWE superstars including John Cena who defeated Triple H in a singles match and The Undertaker who won over Rusev in a Casket Match.
The highlight of the sold-out event was the Greatest Royal Rumble Championship won by Braun Strowman who was the last man standing in the ring outlasting 49 other WWE superstars including The Great Khali, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, and Rey Mysterio.
Prior to these, GSA Chairman H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh and WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon signed a ten-year agreement to host upcoming wrestling events in the Kingdom to boost its entertainment and sports industry.
In Riyadh, GSA launched the Riyadh International Half-Marathon held last February 24, 2018 participated by hundreds of all-male participants under three categories – Professional, Amateur, and Fun Run measuring 21, eight, and four kilometers respectively.
The professional half-marathon, the event’s highlight, with SR1 million cash prize was won by Ethiopian runner Tamira Mola.
Another world-class event happened in the Kingdom’s capital city earlier this year. The 2018 Race of Champions (ROC) went on in a two-day event, February 2-3, 2018, at the King Fahd International Stadium which was the first-ever international motorsport competition in Saudi Arabia.
On its first night, the racers battled for ROC Nation’s Cup title won by Team Germany’s Rene Rast and Timo Bernhard who faced Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves of Latin America in the Finals.
During ROC’s second night, it was the Scottish legend David Coulthard, a 13-time Formula 1 grand prix winner, who victoriously bagged the Race of Champions crown. In hosting such events, GSA continues to develop Saudi Arabia’s innovative role in hosting international championships of various sports activities.
