Nearly 130 Saudi Athletes Preparing for Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games

The Saudi capital will host the competitions in King Saud University Arena
The Saudi capital will host the competitions in King Saud University Arena
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Nearly 130 Saudi Athletes Preparing for Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games

The Saudi capital will host the competitions in King Saud University Arena
The Saudi capital will host the competitions in King Saud University Arena

One hundred twenty-seven male and female athletes are gearing up to represent the Kingdom in the 2023 World Combat Games, which will be held October 20-30 in Riyadh.
The Saudi capital will host the competitions in King Saud University Arena, where Saudi athletes hope to win medals with medals from this global sporting event, SPA reported.
The Saudi teams comprise 87 male athletes, 40 female athletes, and 56 technical and administrative staff. They will compete in 12 sports, namely Aikido, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sambo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Wushu.
The Saudi teams have been gearing up for this major event as they carry high aspirations to add to the record of Saudi sporting achievements and satisfy the fans, especially with the games taking place in their nation.



Villa Must Avoid Newcastle’s Fall from Top Four Fate, Boss Emery Says

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Aston Villa - London Stadium, London, Britain - August 17, 2024 Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Aston Villa - London Stadium, London, Britain - August 17, 2024 Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts. (Reuters)
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Villa Must Avoid Newcastle’s Fall from Top Four Fate, Boss Emery Says

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Aston Villa - London Stadium, London, Britain - August 17, 2024 Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Aston Villa - London Stadium, London, Britain - August 17, 2024 Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts. (Reuters)

Aston Villa must learn from Newcastle United's past struggles after their Champions League qualification and focus on closing the gap at the top of the Premier League standings, manager Unai Emery said ahead of Saturday's home game against Arsenal.

Villa started their league season with a 2-1 victory at West Ham United last weekend. They finished fourth last season, which means they will compete in the Champions League this year.

Newcastle secured a top-four finish two seasons ago, but the next year Eddie Howe´s squad slipped to seventh place and missed out on European competition, as Manchester United´s FA Cup victory secured the final European spot.

"Last year Newcastle were playing in the Champions League, two years ago they were in the top four, but they didn’t get it last year for different reasons," the Spaniard told reporters.

"We want to avoid some circumstances that could lead us the same way like Newcastle or other teams in the past."

The increased number of matches could impact Villa's performance in this campaign, and Emery said Villa aim to secure a European berth again this season.

"This is our challenge, to keep the same structure and idea, being strong to be a contender ourselves to be in the top seven, top five or top four," the Villa manager added.

"Because our objective of course is to be in Europe regularly, consistently, and if we are in the Champions League we can achieve our dreams again."