The torch for the third edition of the Saudi Games 2024 arrived in NEOM on Tuesday as part of its promotional tour for the largest national sports event in the Kingdom. The event will be held in Riyadh from October 3 to October 17.
Amid great enthusiasm and a celebratory atmosphere, the torch traveled through the historical site of Bajdah in NEOM.
NEOM Deputy CEO Rayan Fayez received the Saudi Games torch from footballer Salman Al-Faraj, former Saudi national team and Al Hilal player, and current NEOM team member.
Al-Faraj has won the Saudi League eight times, the King's Cup five times, the Saudi Super Cup three times, and the AFC Champions League twice. He also represented Saudi Arabia in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The torch was then carried by the Saudi national padel player Omar Al-Thaqib, champion of the Saudi Games in both 2022 and 2023.
The Saudi Games torch began its journey in Riyadh, traveling through various regions of the Kingdom to embody the spirit of the Saudi Games, based on the values of friendship and peace. The torch carries a deep humanitarian message of peace, love and optimism, encouraging citizens and residents of the Kingdom to participate in this major sporting event.
Meanwhile, governor of the Qassim Region Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz praised the unlimited support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for sports and athletes.
This support has contributed to making the Kinrgdom a global sports destination in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, according to SPA.
Prince Faisal stressed that the Saudi Games represent an important step in creating a new generation of athletes capable of raising the Kingdom's name high in international arenas. He also appreciated the significant role of Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal in developing the sports sector and achieving remarkable progress in recent years.
Prince Faisal made the remarks as he received the torch of the third Saudi Games at the Prince Sultan Educational Complex School from Abdulaziz Al-Sanani, the former director of the Ministry of Sport branch in the Qassim Region.
At the event, the torch was carried by judo medalist Abdulelah Albali, who won gold in the Gulf Championship in Bahrain, bronze in the Arab Championship in Tunisia, the Jeju International Championship in Korea, and Africa Open Championship in Tunisia as well as silver in the 2023 Saudi Games. He was the Kingdom's champion from 2022 to 2024.
