Qassim Governor Receives Torch of Third Saudi Games in Buraidah

Governor of the Qassim Region, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, received the torch of the third Saudi Games on September 12, 2024, at the Prince Sultan Educational Complex School in Buraidah. The event marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s sporting calendar, celebrating the unity and competitive spirit of athletes across the nation. Prince Faisal praised the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their dedication to advancing sports and athletes in the Kingdom.

Context and Background

The Saudi Games, now in their third edition, represent a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s strategy to develop a vibrant sports ecosystem under the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Saudi Arabia into a global sports destination, fostering talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle among citizens. The torch relay, a symbol of national unity and Olympic spirit, travels across regions to build anticipation and inspire local communities, highlighting the inclusive nature of the games.

Key Details and Torch Relay Highlights

During the ceremony, the torch was received by Abdulaziz Al-Sanani, the former director of the Ministry of Sport branch in the Qassim Region, who passed it to Prince Faisal. The relay then proceeded with distinguished athletes carrying the torch through key landmarks in Qassim. Judo medalist Abdulelah Albali, winner of gold at the Gulf Championship in Bahrain, bronze at the Arab Championship in Tunisia, and silver at the 2023 Saudi Games, was among the first to carry the torch. The relay also visited the Al-Bassam Heritage House, where world rally champion Ahmad Al-Shegawi carried the torch before passing it to karate champion Saleh Al-Quba, a silver medalist at the 2019 Asian Championship in Kazakhstan and gold medalist at the 2022 Saudi Games. The journey continued at Al-Qasr Heritage Gate, where fencing medalist Ruba Al-Masri, the first Saudi woman to win a medal at the European Circuit Championship Under 23, in Kamenik, Slovenia, carried the torch. Al-Masri has also secured gold medals in the 2022 and 2023 Saudi Games, as well as bronze in the individual competition and gold in the team competition at the Combat Games in Riyadh 2023.

Implications and National Impact

The torch relay underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent at all levels and promoting inclusivity in sports, with both male and female athletes participating. Prince Faisal emphasized that the Saudi Games are a crucial step in creating a new generation of athletes capable of raising the Kingdom’s name high in international arenas. He also recognized the significant contributions of Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, for his role in developing the sports sector and achieving remarkable progress in recent years. This event reflects the positive momentum in sports diplomacy and the increasing international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s capabilities as a host and participant in global sporting events.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The reception of the torch for the third Saudi Games aligns directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the lives of citizens and residents through enhanced sports and recreational opportunities. By investing in sports infrastructure and supporting athletes, the Kingdom is building a vibrant society, fostering national pride, and positioning itself as a premier global destination for sports. The continuation of the Saudi Games and the successful torch relay demonstrate tangible progress toward these objectives, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to long-term excellence in athletics and its commitment to the health and well-being of its people.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Saudi Games?

A1. The Saudi Games is a national multi-sport event organized by the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, aimed at promoting athletic excellence and national unity across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Who received the torch for the third Saudi Games in Qassim?

A2. The torch for the third Saudi Games was received by the Governor of the Qassim Region, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, during a ceremony in Buraidah.

Q3. When did the torch reception event take place?

A3. The event took place on September 12, 2024, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Q4. Who did Prince Faisal praise for supporting sports in Saudi Arabia?

A4. Prince Faisal praised the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unlimited support.

Q5. What is the significance of the torch relay for the Saudi Games?

A5. The torch relay symbolizes national unity, Olympic spirit, and builds anticipation for the games while inspiring local communities and showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

Q6. Which athlete carried the torch at the Al-Bassam Heritage House?

A6. World rally champion Ahmad Al-Shegawi carried the torch at the Al-Bassam Heritage House in Qassim during the relay.

Q7. What achievements does judo medalist Abdulelah Albali have?

A7. Abdulelah Albali won gold in the Gulf Championship, bronze in the Arab Championship, the Jeju International Championship, and the Africa Open Championship, plus silver in the 2023 Saudi Games.

Q8. Who is Ruba Al-Masri and what is her notable achievement?

A8. Ruba Al-Masri is a fencing medalist who became the first Saudi woman to win a medal at the European Circuit Championship Under 23, securing a bronze medal in Slovenia.

Q9. What role did Abdulaziz Al-Sanani play in the torch reception?

A9. Abdulaziz Al-Sanani, the former director of the Ministry of Sport branch in Qassim, handed the torch to Prince Faisal at the ceremony.

Q10. How does the Saudi Games support Vision 2030?

A10. The Saudi Games align with Vision 2030 goals by enhancing sports infrastructure, fostering athletic talent, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, thereby building a vibrant society and global sports destination.

Q11. What other landmarks did the torch visit in Qassim?

A11. The torch visited the Al-Qasr Heritage Gate, a prominent tourist landmark, in addition to the Al-Bassam Heritage House.

Q12. What medals did Saleh Al-Quba win at the 2022 Saudi Games?

A12. Saleh Al-Quba won gold in the 2022 Saudi Games, along with silver at the 2019 Asian Championship and bronze at the 2019 Arab Championship.

Q13. Who is the Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee?

A13. His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal serves as the Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Q14. What is the goal of making the Kingdom a global sports destination?

A14. The goal is part of Vision 2030 to position Saudi Arabia as a premier venue for international sporting events and a hub for athletic excellence, boosting tourism and global engagement.

Q15. How does the torch relay include female athletes?

A15. The relay featured Ruba Al-Masri, a female fencer, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting women in sports as part of national development.

Q16. What is the Saudi Press Agency (SPA)?

A16. The Saudi Press Agency is the official news agency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing authoritative reports on government events and official announcements.

Q17. What message did Prince Faisal convey about the new generation of athletes?

A17. Prince Faisal stressed that the Saudi Games are an important step in creating a new generation of athletes capable of raising the Kingdom’s name high in international arenas.

Q18. How does the Ministry of Sport support athletes in Saudi Arabia?

A18. The Ministry of Sport, under Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, develops policies, organizes events like the Saudi Games, and provides infrastructure and training to nurture talent across the Kingdom.

Q19. What was the route of the torch in Qassim?

A19. The torch’s journey in Qassim began at the Al-Bassam Heritage House, then proceeded to Al-Qasr Heritage Gate, with athletes carrying it at each location.

Q20. Why is the Saudi Games important for Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. The Saudi Games showcase the Kingdom’s sporting prowess, foster international recognition, and align with Vision 2030 to enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a dynamic and globally engaged nation.

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