Latest news with #AbdulazizbinTurkiAlFaisal
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Al Ittihad lift Saudi Pro League title in dazzling celebration at packed Jewel Stadium
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — In a historic night of celebration, Al Ittihad concluded their title-winning campaign in the Saudi Pro League with a 1-0 victory over Damac on Monday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The final matchday was more than a football fixture — it was a spectacle of unity, passion, and triumph. With four massive tifos unfurled across the stands, including the main banner reading "When we talk, we do," the crowd of over 60,000 created an electric atmosphere befitting champions. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn netted the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, sealing Ittihad's 27th win of the season and lifting them to 83 points, ten clear at the top. Damac, meanwhile, ended the campaign 14th with 35 points. Following the final whistle, Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal presented the championship trophy to captain Karim Benzema, who led his teammates to the podium amid fireworks and deafening cheers. Earlier, club legend Ahmed Jamil carried the trophy onto the pitch to a roaring reception. Fans had queued outside the stadium hours before kickoff, eager to witness the moment their club officially reclaimed the league crown for the 14th time in its history — and for the third time in the Saudi Pro League era. Adding to the festivity, renowned singer Ahmed Saad performed a live concert on the pitch after the trophy presentation, capping off an unforgettable night. In a unique gesture of appreciation, Al Ittihad allowed a number of supporters to take photos with the trophy in the stands — a rare and emotional moment for a fanbase that stood by the club through highs and lows. Club president Loay Mashabi, who received a thunderous ovation, told SSC channel he was overwhelmed by the occasion: 'I don't know if I will ever experience a joy greater than this. Making millions of fans happy is a responsibility I carry with pride.' When asked about his future, Mashabi deferred: 'Right now, our focus is on the King's Cup final. After that, we'll see what comes next.'
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Esports Olympics to debut in Saudi Arabia later than expected in 2027
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The first Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Riyadh in 2027, two years later than expected when a 12-year deal with Saudi Arabia was signed last year. The International Olympic Committee said Tuesday its founding partner for the event will be the kingdom's Esports World Cup Foundation. The first annual Esports World Cup was held last July and August in Riyadh with tens of millions of dollars in prize money paid for games including Call of Duty, Fortnite and Street Fighter. It is unclear which, if any, shooter games the IOC will allow on the Esports Olympics program, which it has repeatedly said must align with Olympic values. A six-person panel, co-chaired by veteran IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, will work on deciding the games program, the IOC said. Details of the inaugural Esports Olympics were confirmed two days after Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted a visiting Olympic delegation in Riyadh, including its president Thomas Bach, who leaves office in June. The 12-year deal was confirmed last July on the eve of the Paris Olympics as the latest prime sporting asset for the oil-rich kingdom to own or host. FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer in December. IOC members were told in Paris the vision for the Esports Olympics was to hold it every two years starting in 2025, with 'physical, simulated and electronic games' included. Qualifying competitions for national teams are set to start this year. ___ AP sports: The Associated Press
