Saudi Ministry of Sport to Support NEOM’s Aim to Become Global Sports Hub

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
TT

Saudi Ministry of Sport to Support NEOM’s Aim to Become Global Sports Hub

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports.

The agreement was signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport, and Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM, in the presence of Abdul Ilah bin Saad Al-Dalak, Assistant Minister of Sports, and Jan Paterson, Sector Head of Sport at NEOM.

The partnership will enable NEOM to deliver its strategic objectives and align with the Ministry of Sports’ vision through building an active society, the advancement of youth and women in sport and the creation of job opportunities in the sector, read a statement by NEOM. The agreement also includes cooperation between the two parties in Formula E in line with NEOM’s vision for sustainable sports.

The MoU comes as the Ministry of Sport seeks to develop the sector in the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030. It is also aligned with NEOM’s aim to become a global center for sports that provides an environment for athletes to excel while also offering exceptional livability. It also contributes to growth, innovation and economic prosperity in the sector.

Commenting on the cooperation, Prince Abdulaziz said: “We are pleased to sign this memorandum with NEOM as we aim from this fruitful cooperation to contribute to the development of this vital and important sector, and to open the way for all parties and companies to share their capabilities to elevate the sports industry, and to create the appropriate environment for athletes from our dear country to become the ambassadors of their country in international and regional forums.

“The sports sector in the Kingdom enjoys unprecedented support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense - and we - in the Ministry of Sport, are working hard and continuously to develop this vital and important sector, which targets a large segment of the young men and women of this dear country, in line with the objectives of The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and we will move forward to achieve these goals, with the combined efforts of all relevant authorities and stakeholders.”

Al Nasr said: “We are pleased to cooperate with the Ministry to create a vibrant and active living environment capable of attracting the best talent and minds from around the world. This is one of the priorities of the project, given that sport is of great importance, as one of the key components of NEOM societies.

“Sports investment in the Kingdom is growing significantly and tangibly to become one of the most lucrative and innovative sectors in the world, and this forms an important aspect of NEOM’s strategy to create promising sectors and build a solid economy.

“This memorandum will allow exploring all possible opportunities and building sports entities that contribute to empowering Saudi youth and residents of NEOM, so that sports will be a source of inspiration for them. We at NEOM are working to provide the most advanced sports facilities by attracting unprecedented investments in the field, hosting the most important sporting events, teams and athletes from all over the world, and attracting global industry leaders.”



Microphones Would Have Solved Off-Court Coaching Issue, Says Fritz

Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
TT

Microphones Would Have Solved Off-Court Coaching Issue, Says Fritz

Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)
Taylor Fritz oh USA celebrates his victory against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the ATP Finals 2024 in Turin, Italy, 10 November 2024. (EPA)

Taylor Fritz believes the tennis authorities should have clamped down hard on off-court coaching rather than change the rules to allow it, saying it takes away from the sport's unique appeal.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) will allow off-court coaching from 2025 following trials at the four Grand Slams and ATP and WTA Tour events since 2023.

Fritz, who won his opening match at the ATP Finals on Sunday, thinks organizers have been bullied into the change.

"I think as far as it should go with the coach talking to you is giving you encouragement, saying, 'great shot, good job, keep going, keep fighting' stuff like that," the American told reporters in Turin after his win over Daniil Medvedev.

"I think when it gets into strategic, like 'back up, hit it this way more, cover this', I don't think that's (right).

"I think a lot of the reason they made this rule in the first place is they were almost in a way bullied into it because people would just break the rules anyway and coach anyway."

Fritz, who is at a career-high world number five, said the simple fix would have been to use microphones in coaching boxes.

"I think there should be mics in the boxes. I think there should be someone monitoring the mics. It should be very, very strict to where if anything goes past just encouragement, immediately you're penalized," he said.

"That's how you fix it. That's how you have no coaching. Players have to figure things out on their own. That's, like I said, one of the great things about tennis.

"It would be insane if someone could come on the court for you and serve, right? So why can someone tell you what to do?"

Fritz will face home favorite and world number one Jannik Sinner in his second group match on Tuesday.