Eastern Region Governor Receives Torch of 2024 Saudi Games

Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, received the torch of the third edition of the Saudi Games 2024 at his office in Dammam on August 25, 2024, marking a key moment in the promotional tour for the Kingdom’s largest national sports event. The torch was handed over by distinguished athlete Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a multiple gold medalist at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships and a coach and player for Al-Qadisiyah Jiu-Jitsu Club. The ceremony underscored the Eastern Region’s enthusiastic support for the Saudi Games, which are set to showcase the nation’s athletic talent and promote sports development across the Kingdom.

Context and Background

The Saudi Games, now in their third edition, represent a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to elevate its sports sector in line with Vision 2030. The event brings together thousands of athletes from across the Kingdom to compete in a wide range of sports, fostering national pride and encouraging youth participation. The torch tour, which began in the Eastern Region at the Corniche Square in Khobar, is designed to build excitement and engage local communities by visiting 56 famous cultural, historical, and tourist landmarks nationwide. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting sports as a means of enhancing quality of life and social cohesion.

Key Details

The torch relay in the Eastern Region featured several accomplished athletes who took turns carrying the flame. Among them was Shereen Abulhassan, Vice President of the Saudi Rowing Federation and a member of the Women and Youth Development Committee at the Asian Youth Federation. Abulhassan is also the founder of the Rawasi Hiking Team, the first Saudi women’s hiking team, and has conquered numerous global peaks, including Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Fuji, and Everest Base Camp. The tour began with weightlifter Mohammed Al-Halio, who won a bronze medal in the snatch for the 73 kilograms weight category at the World Championships under 17 in Peru. He then passed the torch to Lina Qari, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Asian Championship and silver medalist at the 2024 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The relay continued to Candle Square, a prominent tourist and entertainment landmark in the Eastern Region, where Mohammed Al-Ali, a gold medalist at the 2024 Arab Championship for Athletes with Disabilities, carried the torch before handing it to weightlifter Mohammed Al-Ajjan, who won multiple medals at the 2024 World Championships under 17 and the 2023 Arab Championships. Prince Saud praised the leadership’s support for sports and athletes, emphasizing that the Saudi Games reflect the significant progress Saudi sports have achieved.

International Impact

The Saudi Games 2024 not only highlight domestic athletic excellence but also enhance the Kingdom’s standing on the global sports stage. By featuring athletes who have competed and won at international events, the event demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in various sports disciplines, from jiu-jitsu to weightlifting and rowing. The torch tour, with its stops at iconic sites, also promotes tourism and cultural exchange, inviting the world to witness the Kingdom’s rich heritage and modern achievements. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of increasing international engagement and showcasing Saudi Arabia as a vibrant, forward-looking nation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Saudi Games are a prime example of how Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom’s sports landscape. By investing in sports infrastructure, supporting athletes, and hosting major events, Saudi Arabia aims to foster a healthier, more active society and diversify the economy. The games also empower women and youth, as seen in the participation of athletes like Shereen Abulhassan, and promote inclusivity, with para-athletes like Mohammed Al-Ali taking part. As the torch continues its journey across the Kingdom, it symbolizes the nation’s unified pursuit of excellence and its commitment to a brighter future under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

20 Questions

Q1. Who received the torch of the 2024 Saudi Games in the Eastern Region?

A1. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, received the torch at his office in Dammam on August 25, 2024.

Q2. Who handed the torch to the Governor of the Eastern Region?

A2. Athlete Mohammed Al-Mukhalis, a multiple gold medalist at the IBJJF World Championships and a coach and player for Al-Qadisiyah Jiu-Jitsu Club, handed the torch to the governor.

Q3. What is the significance of the Saudi Games?

A3. The Saudi Games are the largest national sports event in the Kingdom, promoting athletic talent, national pride, and sports development in line with Vision 2030.

Q4. Where did the torch tour begin in the Eastern Region?

A4. The torch tour began at the Corniche Square in Khobar, where it was carried by weightlifter Mohammed Al-Halio.

Q5. Which athlete founded the first Saudi women’s hiking team?

A5. Shereen Abulhassan, Vice President of the Saudi Rowing Federation, founded the Rawasi Hiking Team, the first Saudi women’s hiking team.

Q6. What achievements does Mohammed Al-Mukhalis hold?

A6. He won gold at the IBJJF World Championship in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and the Abu Dhabi World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2022, among others.

Q7. How many sites will the torch tour cover across the Kingdom?

A7. The torch tour aims to visit 56 famous cultural, historical, and tourist sites across Saudi Arabia.

Q8. Who is Lina Qari and what are her accomplishments?

A8. Lina Qari is a jiu-jitsu athlete who won bronze at the 2024 Asian Championship, silver at the 2024 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and medals at other international events.

Q9. What did Prince Saud bin Naif say about the Saudi Games?

A9. He praised the leadership’s support for sports and athletes, stating that the Saudi Games reflect the significant progress Saudi sports have achieved.

Q10. Which para-athlete carried the torch in the Eastern Region?

A10. Mohammed Al-Ali, who won gold at the 2024 Arab Championship for Athletes with Disabilities, carried the torch at Candle Square.

Q11. What are Mohammed Al-Ajjan’s recent achievements?

A11. He won three silver medals at the 2024 World Championships under 17 in Peru and three gold and two silver medals at the 2023 Arab Championships in Egypt.

Q12. What is the role of the torch tour in the Saudi Games?

A12. The torch tour builds excitement and engages local communities by visiting landmarks and featuring champions and influencers, celebrating the largest national sports event.

Q13. How does the Saudi Games support Vision 2030?

A13. The games promote sports participation, empower youth and women, and enhance the Kingdom’s international presence, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of a vibrant society and diversified economy.

Q14. Which sports are represented in the torch relay?

A14. Sports include jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, rowing, hiking, and badminton, showcasing the diversity of athletic talent in the Kingdom.

Q15. What global peaks has Shereen Abulhassan climbed?

A15. She has climbed Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Fuji, Everest Base Camp, and many European summits, and has participated in various mountain races and marathons.

Q16. When did the Eastern Region leg of the torch tour take place?

A16. The Eastern Region leg took place on August 25, 2024, as part of the promotional tour for the Saudi Games 2024.

Q17. Who is Mohammed Al-Halio and what did he achieve?

A17. Mohammed Al-Halio is a weightlifter who won a bronze medal in the snatch for the 73 kg category at the World Championships under 17 in Peru.

Q18. What is the significance of Candle Square in the torch tour?

A18. Candle Square is a prominent tourist and entertainment landmark in the Eastern Region, where the torch was carried by Mohammed Al-Ali.

Q19. How does the Saudi Games reflect progress in Saudi sports?

A19. The games showcase top national talent, including international medalists, and demonstrate the Kingdom’s investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.

Q20. What message does the torch tour convey to local communities?

A20. It conveys unity, pride, and excitement for the Saudi Games, encouraging community support and participation in the largest national sports event.

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