Japan gifts Kendo equipment to Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee
RIYADH: Japan has gifted the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee with Kendo equipment as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Formal diplomatic ties were first established on June 7, 1955, laying the foundations for a long-standing partnership.
To mark the occasion, Japanese ambassador Yasunari Morino attended a handover ceremony on Wednesday at the Riyadh Olympic Training Center, where approximately 20 shinai (bamboo swords) and 10 complete sets of Kendo armor were officially donated to the SOPC.
Morino expressed his hope the donation would help increase the popularity of Kendo in Saudi Arabia and provide more opportunities for young Saudi athletes to engage with Japanese martial arts.
'I was happy to join the Olympic Day event organized by the Olympic Committee with many people, young and senior, participating. I hope Saudi people will enjoy practicing various sports, including Japanese martial arts,' the ambassador told Arab News.
Kendo, which translates as 'The Way of the Sword,' is a discipline rooted in samurai traditions and is practiced widely in Japan and around the world. The Kingdom's growing interest in Japanese martial arts reflects the deepening of cultural ties between the two nations, said the embassy.
The donation was enabled by the generous support of the All Japan Kendo Federation. As well as promoting Kendo, it is hoped it will foster greater mutual understanding and cultural exchange through sports between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The ceremony was one of several initiatives organized by the Embassy of Japan throughout 2025 to commemorate the 70th anniversary. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka also marks the occasion.
It is hoped the expo will help the Kingdom reach its goal of attracting 30,000 Japanese visitors annually in the lead up to Expo 2030, which is due to take place in Riyadh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Delap makes his mark as Premier League clubs' hunt for strikers hots up
DUBAI: It was third time lucky for Chelsea's new striker Liam Delap — who arrived from Ipswich Town earlier this month — when he opened his account on Wednesday for the Blues in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Following last Friday's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Flamengo, Enzo Maresca's team required a victory for a place in the knockout stages of a competition they won in 2022. The result never looked in doubt once defender Tosin Adarabioyo had given them the lead with a well-taken header. The advantage was doubled moments later as Delap scored his first Chelsea goal, collecting a pass from Enzo Fernandez before holding off one challenge, evading another and dispatching a low drive into the bottom corner. It was brilliant center-forward play, combining strength, skill and a killer instinct in front of goal. For any striker, their first goal at a new club, regardless of the competition or opposition, is an important milestone. It settles early nerves, eliminates any negative outside noise and helps to build a positive relationship with the fans, who enjoy nothing more than watching a new forward showcase his goalscoring capabilities. Delap, who confidently took the Chelsea No. 9 shirt after signing, had shown encouraging signs during his first two performances at the tournament. In their opening fixture, a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, the 22-year-old came off the bench and made an instant impact, providing a superb cross which was converted by Fernandez to put the game to bed. He was then handed his first start against Flamengo and proved a handful for opposition defenders prior to his withdrawal shortly after the hour mark with his replacement, Nicolas Jackson, shown a red card for a reckless challenge just four minutes after coming on. With Jackson's one-match ban extended to two following a FIFA disciplinary committee review, Delap is likely to start once again when Chelsea face Benfica in the round of 16 on Saturday, providing the youngster with another opportunity to stake his claim. It is a summer transfer market in which many of the Premier League's biggest sides are on the hunt for strikers, and Chelsea appear to have stolen a march on their rivals. Had Arsenal invested in a proven goalscorer in the last couple of years, they could easily have won a title under Mikel Arteta's stewardship. The fact he was forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker during last season's run-in spoke volumes, and so the search goes on. Manchester United are yet to reap the rewards of their investment in Rasmus Hojlund who has struggled since moving to Old Trafford in 2023. The recent signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the probable arrival of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, suggest Ruben Amorim is far from satisfied with the output of his current attackers. Yet while both players are undoubtedly strong additions who will elevate the United forward line, they are not traditional center forwards. Premier League champions Liverpool, who are certainly not short of attacking options, are also thought to be hunting for a striker, with rumors of an audacious bid for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak continuing to persist. That particular deal will be a difficult one to pull off, but Arne Slot clearly views the position as an area which needs strengthening, particularly if Darwin Nunez departs. Of the strikers available on the market, many of the headlines have focused on Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. While both players are clearly talented, any transfers would naturally involve a huge financial outlay, which many clubs are now wary of given the implications of the Profit and Sustainability Rules. For Chelsea, the signing of Delap makes perfect sense. As well as being young and hungry, he boasts Premier League experience having scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich last season. Additionally, the fact he has played under Maresca, and alongside Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, in Manchester City's academy, ensures he should quickly adapt to the team's playing style. Under the Clearlake ownership model, Chelsea have been widely criticized for spending huge sums of money on players who have failed to justify their price tags, with a few notable exceptions. The acquisition of Delap for $41 million, however, might just prove to be the club's smartest business move yet.
Leaders
8 hours ago
- Leaders
Preview: Al-Hilal Face Pachuca in Must-Win Club World Cup Showdown
Al-Hilal are gearing up to face Pachuca of Mexico in their crucial final group stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, with the Saudi giants desperately need a victory to advance to the tournament's knockout stage. Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg lead Group H with two points each before the decisive fixture, yet Simone Inzaghi's team can still qualify with a win in Nashville. A goalless draw with Salzburg last Sunday left Al-Hilal frustrated, especially after holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw previously. Despite dominating possession against RB Salzburg, the Riyadh-based team struggled to break Austria's sturdy defence amid extreme heat conditions. The Riyadh-based powerhouse rely on a final-day win to escape Group H, but their qualification depends on other results. If they defeat Pachuca, Salzburg versus Real Madrid determines the group winners, potentially leaving all three sides on three points. However, A draw between Salzburg and Madrid could result in a three-way tie on points, complicating qualification prospects for the Blue Waves. Goal difference, goals scored, and goals conceded against Pachuca will not be considered, which keeps the team's hopes alive despite a goal deficit. Current Form and Key Players Unbeaten in seven matches since losing to Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League semi-finals, Al-Hilal have a solid confidence boost. Victory could hinge on injured striker Aleksandar Mitrovic's return, as the team seek additional firepower. Pachuca qualified for this tournament by winning the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup but can already start planning their journey home. Although Pachuca fought well against Real Madrid, they missed a chance to avenge last year's Intercontinental Cup final defeat. Despite having a numerical advantage early in the match, they lost 3-1, lacking finishing precision to turn the game in their favor. With 25 shots on goal, the most Madrid has faced in over a decade, Pachuca's efforts failed to produce more goals. Having lost their first two matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Salzburg, Pachuca is eliminated from the competition. Manager Jaime Lozano's team must focus on performing well, even if they cannot progress further in the tournament. Salomon Rondon remains the main attacking threat, while John Kennedy could see an opportunity to start or replace Rondon. Possible Lineups and Final Thoughts Inzaghi is expected to rely on the same squad that started the previous game against RB Salzburg, with minimal changes in the lineup. Possible lineups: Al-Hilal: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari; Leonardo. Pachuca: Moreno; Sanchez, Bauermann, Pereira, Gonzalez; Montiel, Palavecino; Dominguez, J. Kennedy, Kenedy; Rondon. Al-Hilal will be fully motivated to get the win, while Pachuca are inevitably eyeing the exit door, so the Saudi Pro-League side are more likely to prevail. With a stronger squad, Simone Inzaghi and co can claim a first victory at this year's Club World Cup – but it remains to be seen whether that will take them through. Short link : Post Views: 10
Arab News
17 hours ago
- Arab News
Japan gifts Kendo equipment to Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee
RIYADH: Japan has gifted the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee with Kendo equipment as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Formal diplomatic ties were first established on June 7, 1955, laying the foundations for a long-standing partnership. To mark the occasion, Japanese ambassador Yasunari Morino attended a handover ceremony on Wednesday at the Riyadh Olympic Training Center, where approximately 20 shinai (bamboo swords) and 10 complete sets of Kendo armor were officially donated to the SOPC. Morino expressed his hope the donation would help increase the popularity of Kendo in Saudi Arabia and provide more opportunities for young Saudi athletes to engage with Japanese martial arts. 'I was happy to join the Olympic Day event organized by the Olympic Committee with many people, young and senior, participating. I hope Saudi people will enjoy practicing various sports, including Japanese martial arts,' the ambassador told Arab News. Kendo, which translates as 'The Way of the Sword,' is a discipline rooted in samurai traditions and is practiced widely in Japan and around the world. The Kingdom's growing interest in Japanese martial arts reflects the deepening of cultural ties between the two nations, said the embassy. The donation was enabled by the generous support of the All Japan Kendo Federation. As well as promoting Kendo, it is hoped it will foster greater mutual understanding and cultural exchange through sports between Japan and Saudi Arabia. The ceremony was one of several initiatives organized by the Embassy of Japan throughout 2025 to commemorate the 70th anniversary. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka also marks the occasion. It is hoped the expo will help the Kingdom reach its goal of attracting 30,000 Japanese visitors annually in the lead up to Expo 2030, which is due to take place in Riyadh.
