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Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia is leading the of esports on the global stage
The ES TIMES — During a session titled "Driving Global Growth: Esports and Sports from a Vision 2030 Perspective," Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan spoke about the evolution of esports to become a key component of Saudi Arabia's development. Esports in Saudi Arabia is not just entertainment; it supports innovation, empowers youth, and adds long-term value to the gaming community in the region and globally. Saudi Arabia has taken bold steps. Launching the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, hosting the Esports World Cup Foundation, and investing in projects like Qiddiya, Prince Faisal said, "We're not waiting for the future, we're creating it." Through the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), he has built a structured ecosystem that develops talent and supports every gamer and creator to thrive. A Thriving Gaming Nation Today, 67% of Saudis consider themselves gamers. With this reality in mind, the goal is clear: for the Kingdom to become the world's premier destination for gaming and esports by 2030. The 18th Edition: A Global Gathering This edition of the International Olympic Academy Congress brought together 150 enthusiastic participants from five continents. Organized by the International Olympic Academy to expand its global Olympic education network, it began with a symbolic visit to the archaeological site of ancient Messenia, connecting the past with the Olympic values. During the opening ceremony, Charilaos Tsolakis, President of the IOA, and Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the HOC, affirmed their shared commitment to the values of the Olympics. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of education, the role of innovation, and international cooperation as fundamental principles at the heart of this initiative. Esports in Focus The day concluded with an inspiring keynote address and a panel discussion. The discussion was led by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, President of the International Esports Federation, and Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the IOA. They discussed how digital competitions can align with the Olympic values and even enhance the Olympic spirit, encouraging attendees to consider esports as a cultural force. 19 Olympic Esports Games 2025: A Historic Milestone According to the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This move represents a new chapter in the global recognition of esports. With more than 23.5 million players, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global powerhouse. Esports plays a vital role in social transformation, with nearly half of the gamers in the Kingdom being women. Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, we have seen continued progress in empowering women. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, IOC Member and Chair of the Women in Sport Commission, commended this trend, saying: "The rise in women's participation in esports is exciting. I look forward to the Olympic Esports Games as an opportunity to engage more women in a safe and inclusive environment." SEF: At the forefront of the digital revolution Established in 2017, the Saudi Esports Federation has spearheaded the sector's advancement. Prince Faisal stated, "We aim to develop talent and encourage both personal and professional growth." With strong government support, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has committed $38 billion to the gaming sector, which is expected to create 39,000 jobs, support 250 developers, and add $13.33 billion to the national economy by 2030. Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships Savvy Games Group, owned by PIF, is actively forging international partnerships. Their $4.9 billion acquisition of mobile developer Scopely in 2023 demonstrates their long-term ambitions. Prince Faisal explained, "We aim to be a global hub for gaming and esports." In 2023, SEF hosted Gamers8 in Riyadh, which featured a record-breaking $45 million in prizes. Building on this remarkable success, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a new and ambitious step, hosting the Esports World Cup in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of its strategy to support and develop the global gaming and esports sector. Promoting Education and Skills Through Gaming Gaming is not just entertainment - it's a tool for growth. Prince Faisal believes that gaming can foster creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking. There are plans to integrate gaming into the education sector. A Nation Ready to Lead Indeed, Saudi Arabia is not only building events and strategies, but is confidently moving toward shaping a future where gaming and esports reach new heights. By investing in the energy of its youth, its ambitious vision, and its unwavering commitment, the Kingdom is not only participating in this global transformation - it is leading the way, shaping the next phase with confidence and creativity. On July 13, 2024, the International Olympic Committee officially confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games. Prince Faisal enthusiastically commented: "We are proud to be part of writing a new chapter in Olympic history." IOC President Thomas Bach echoed this sentiment, praising the expertise of the Saudi Olympic Committee. He also expressed his firm confidence in its ability to deliver an inspiring and innovative Olympic Esports Games, reflecting the remarkable development of the Kingdom's standing on the global sports scene. Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Delhi HC orders stay on IOA ad hoc committee forming new national sports association for Ski and Snowboard India
The Delhi High Court has intervened in the matter of Ski and Snowboard India. The court has restrained the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc committee. The committee was planning to form a new national sports association. Justice Sachin Datta issued the interim order. The court observed that the ad-hoc committee's actions exceeded its authority. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Delhi High Court has in an interim order directed the Indian Olympic Association ad-hoc committee overseeing the affairs of Ski and Snowboard India to not take any steps on the formation of a new national sports association Justice Sachin Datta said the ad-hoc committee seeking to create a new national sports association was prima facie "way beyond the scope of authority" of the IOA and ordered a stay till the next hearing on July judge passed the order as it issued notice on the application by Ski and Snowboard India (SSI).SSI had approached the court against a notice issued by the ad hoc committee on May 6 to the affiliated state associations inviting them for the 'First General Meeting for Registration and Election of the New National Sports Association (NSA) for Ski and Snowboard India'.In the order passed on May 23, the court granted time to the counsel for the IOA to state whether there was any provision in the IOA constitution which authorised the IOA or its ad-hoc committee to act in this manner, and sought replies from the IOA and Centre."In the present case, not only has an 'Ad-hoc Committee' been constituted, the said Committee is seeking to create a 'new NSA' out of the petitioner. Prima facie, this is way beyond the scope of authority of the IOA," the court said."In the circumstances, till the next date of hearing, the Ad-hoc Committee constituted vide office order 13.10.2023, shall refrain from taking any steps pursuant to the aforesaid letter / notice dated 06.05.2025," the court court also noted that the order constituting the ad-hoc committee on October 13, 2023 could not be construed as conferring authority on the committee to create a new body and requiring entities affiliated to the petitioner to participate in the facie, in the guise of appointing an ad-hoc committee to manage the affairs of the petitioner, it is impermissible to change the juristic nature and foundational character of the society, it application by Ski and Snowboard India, represented by counsel Neha Singh, was part of its petition challenging the constitution of the ad-hoc committee to take over its to the petitioner, the ad-hoc committee was formed without any show cause notice to the body and after October 2023, the petitioner wrote to the IOA and the Centre on several occasions for redressal of its petitioner said the formation of the ad-hoc committee was ordered in a unilateral, illegal and arbitrary manner, in grave violation of natural Justice and the Sports was stated that the petitioner was not intimated about or given any show-cause notice or hearing with respect to any alleged complaints which led to the decision to form the ad-hoc committee to manage its petition further said the IOA president passed the direction without consulting the executive committee as per the IOA Constitution.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Indian delegation for talks at IOC headquarters over hosting 2036 Olympics
New Delhi: A high-level delegation from India will travel to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the country's bid for the 2036 Olympics. The eight-member delegation comprising Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials, led by president PT Usha, and representatives of the Union Sports Ministry and Gujarat government, will meet IOC's Future Host Commission (FHC) on June 30-July 2, it has been learnt. This will be the first 'in-person meeting' of Indian representatives with FHC since the country sent an expression of interest in October for hosting the 2036 Olympics. 'The objective of the visit is to present updates on various areas of preparation related to Gujarat's candidature for hosting the 2036 Olympics and to receive IOC's feedback and guidance,' according to people aware of the development. India has also shown interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, also in Gujarat, which would prepare the ground for the Olympics project. The same delegation will also visit the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) headquarters in London from June 2-7 to discuss the CWG bid. The team will include IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer, secretary, union sports ministry, Hari Ranjan Rao, Gujarat sports minister, Harsh Sanghavi and Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani. The delegation is expected to meet next week and prepare presentations for the projects. FHC has already held virtual meetings with IOA on the subject. The visit to Lausanne is part of the continuous dialogue process to discuss India's bid. Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry takes charge as the new IOC president on June 23. Besides India, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Korea and Hungary have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games. As per IOC's host selection process, the FHC, currently headed by former Croatia president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, is the body that begins informal dialogue with aspiring host nations. Once it receives an expression of interest, FHC engages with the interested parties in a 'continuous dialogue' where IOC provides technical support to assess the feasibility of the projects based on the specific needs and long-term development plans. The next step is 'targeted dialogue' with one or more interested parties and formal submission of bids for a specific edition of the Games. The process starts as instructed by the IOC Executive Board following recommendation by the FHC. The final selection of the host city is done by the IOC Session.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Sports ministry approval needed to hold National Games, national championships
New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Monday issued guidelines and timelines the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and national sports federations (NSF) have to follow to conduct National Games and national championships. According to a letter sent by the ministry, IOA must submit a copy of its agreement with the host and other agreements for hosting the National Games six months in advance. It has set timelines for IOA to submit details on forming the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC), competition programme, eligibility criteria of participants/states and teams. These are among a range of instructions. Adhering to these instructions are mandatory to get the ministry's approval to hold the National Games and national championships. 'Based on the submissions and satisfaction of the requirements, the Ministry may seek additional information or require certain measures or steps to be undertaken to issue an approval to the said federation and the Host, which shall be required for hosting of the National Games or National Championships. Should no further requests be made by the Ministry within 15 days of due submission of all details, the approval of the Ministry shall be deemed to have been granted in respect of the event,' the ministry's letter says. It says 'no person may seek a trademark registration in India or claim any other exclusive intellectual property rights in the name of National Games or National Championship without the prior written consent of this Ministry.' Interestingly, the IOA constitution says, 'IOA have full and complete jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the designation of the city and to organize the National Games every two years.' The ministry wrote to IOA and NSFs that with India taking steps towards hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games and other major events, national events should be 'hosted with well-defined standards, adhering to proper norms'. The ministry said compliance of these guidelines will be reviewed at the time of annual recognition of the federations in terms of the sports code. 'These events enable the medal winners to enjoy the benefits of different government policies and programmes, including sports quota benefits for admission in education institutions and in recruitments, besides opportunities for recognition as Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit. The conduct of these events for different age groups and genders is a function requirement for the annual recognition of the NSFs for the sports code.' The ministry's notification said that at least six months prior to National Games, IOA and the host 'shall submit copy of the agreement entered into with the relevant state government and its departments (including all permissions) and agreements with all competition venues with respect to hosting of the event.' The list of Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) and other events committees, formed in accordance with the IOA constitution, should be submitted to the Ministry six months in advance. In case of inclusion of a sports governed by an unrecognised NSFs, 'prior permission of the Sports Ministry must be taken for its inclusion and for formation of committees to look after conduct of events. This should be done 60 days before the Games.' Forty five days prior to the Games, IOA and the host shall submit the actual schedule and all states/teams participating in the National Games. If any state team has not been invited or barred from sending entries, a written explanation is required, the ministry's letter said. A similar timeline will apply for IOA to provide written description of all measures to be undertaken in respect of anti-doping, age fraud, match integrity, prevention of sexual harassment and athlete welfare and safety, etc. The Sports Ministry sought a list of participants, states/teams and results event wise within 30 days of completion of the event. The National Games, revived in 2022, was hosted by Uttarakhand this year. There was a controversy over the technical conduct of taekwondo. Similar guidelines have been put out for NSFs for hosting national championships. They will have to submit the competition programme 60 days in advance. The actual schedule and other details related to participation, and steps taken for anti-doping, age-fraud detection, etc., must be submitted 45 days in advance. The detailed results must be submitted within 30 days of an event's completion.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
'No Excuse': Government To Roll Out Mandatory Fitness Tests For Athletes Ahead Of Major International Events
In a major policy shift aimed at enhancing performance and accountability, the government is planning to implement mandatory fitness tests for all athletes before they are cleared to represent India at major international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. The proposed measure comes in the wake of repeated instances where athletes, after failing to deliver expected results at high-stakes competitions, cited a lack of full fitness as a reason for their poor performance. This has raised concerns within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports about the selection process and the overall preparedness of athletes being sent to global platforms. According to sources familiar with the matter, the government has taken serious note of the issue and is formulating a framework that would make passing a fitness test a prerequisite for participation. Strict action may also be taken against athletes who fail to comply or bypass the process. "Many athletes go to big events like the Olympics or Asian Games, and when they underperform, they say they were not 100 percent fit. This is not acceptable. The government is looking into this and will soon mandate fitness tests before any major event," sources said. The fitness evaluations will be sport-specific and conducted under the supervision of designated medical and training professionals. The initiative is being seen as a step towards building a more disciplined and performance-driven sports ecosystem in the country. The decision seems a step in the right direction as India gears up for its official bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. With the Indian sports cleaning up its act on this issue and avoiding unnecessary controversies. With continued government support, Indian is expecting to improve its medal count in the Olympic Games. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially submitted a letter expressing its intention to bid for the Summer Olympic Games in 2036. A significant improvement in its medal count in the Games of 2028 at Los Angeles and the subsequent edition of 2032 will boost the country's chances of bagging the hosting rights for 2036. Listen to the latest songs, only on
