Saudi Games 2023 Under Patronage Of King Salman To Begin In Riyadh This Thursday

The third edition of the Saudi Games will begin in Riyadh on Thursday, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. From October 3 to 17, athletes will participate in 52 sports, including 7 Paralympic events, 10 demonstration sports, and 15 youth categories.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), expressed gratitude for the King's support. He highlighted that this sponsorship demonstrates the leadership's commitment to enhancing sports in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to empower athletes as future representatives on international platforms.

In a press statement, Prince Abdulaziz stated, "The enthusiasm and support that all athletes receive from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the unprecedented backing from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, reflect the reality of sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He emphasised that these efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, which aim to elevate sports within the nation.

The Prince further noted that hosting the Saudi Games for three consecutive years has positioned Saudi sports prominently both locally and globally. The focus is on nurturing a new generation of athletes who can represent Saudi Arabia in regional and international competitions.

The Saudi Games stand as the largest national sporting event in Saudi Arabia's history. Athletes are competing for prizes exceeding SAR200 million. Gold medal winners will receive SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000. In youth categories, gold medalists will earn SAR100,000, silver SAR50,000, and bronze SAR25,000.

This event underscores a significant investment in sports development within the Kingdom. It reflects a broader strategy to make Saudi Arabia a central hub for sporting events worldwide. The ongoing support from leadership aims to ensure continuous growth and excellence in this sector.

The games not only highlight athletic prowess but also serve as a platform for fostering national pride and unity through sportsmanship. As athletes gather to compete at this prestigious event, they embody the spirit of determination and ambition that characterises modern Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA