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Saudi Arabia Wins Gold Medal at Special Olympics World Games

Saudi runner Thamer Ahmed won the gold medal by coming in first place in the 800m race. SPA
Saudi runner Thamer Ahmed won the gold medal by coming in first place in the 800m race. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Wins Gold Medal at Special Olympics World Games

Saudi runner Thamer Ahmed won the gold medal by coming in first place in the 800m race. SPA
Saudi runner Thamer Ahmed won the gold medal by coming in first place in the 800m race. SPA

The Saudi Special Olympics team has won a gold medal in the athletics competitions at the 16th Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Saudi runner Thamer Ahmed won the gold medal by coming in first place in the 800m race held on the athletics track at the Olympic Village with a time of 2 minutes and 30.08 seconds.

Maltese runner Jack Gatt came in second and won the silver medal, while Spanish runner David Marti won the bronze medal by taking third place.

Thamer said the race was not easy, with competition from distinguished players in his category.

The Saudi runner also pointed out that his ambition does not stop at this medal, and he is striving to get more medals in the upcoming competitions of the World Games.

After his victory, the President of the Saudi Special Olympics Board, Dr. Maha Al-Juffali, met with the athlete and congratulated him on his outstanding performance.

Al-Juffali praised the athlete's efforts and achievement.

The Saudi volleyball team won against Tanzania and Botswana in Group B in other competitions, scoring 2-0 in each match.

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Qatar Fighting to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive, Says Lopetegui 

Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
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Qatar Fighting to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive, Says Lopetegui 

Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 

Qatar are within "touching distance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui.

Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth.

The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan.

Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10.

"Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for," Lopetegui told FIFA's website in an interview published on Tuesday.

"It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession.

"However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October."

Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet.

"There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup," added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May.

"However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. While we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term."