NEOM Introduces NEOM Sports Club; Alohali Named Club’s CEO

NEOM Sports Club is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving NEOM’s broader sports objectives.
NEOM Sports Club is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving NEOM’s broader sports objectives.
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NEOM Introduces NEOM Sports Club; Alohali Named Club’s CEO

NEOM Sports Club is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving NEOM’s broader sports objectives.
NEOM Sports Club is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving NEOM’s broader sports objectives.

Following the June announcement of the ownership transfer of Al Suqor Club to NEOM, the company revealed on Sunday that the new name will be NEOM Sports Club with a new logo to reflect the name change.

NEOM also announced that Moaath Alohali has been named CEO of the club after leaving his tenure as CEO of the Saudi Pro League team, Al Ettifaq.

The club’s ownership transfer is part of the Kingdom’s privatization plans for sports clubs recently announced by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The plans aim to develop and promote the sports industry and encourage the private sector to become more invested in it, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

NEOM Sports Club is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving NEOM’s broader sports objectives and underscores the project’s commitment to supporting local Saudi talent as it becomes a global hub for sports.

Chairman of NEOM Sports Club Meshari Al-Motairi said: “NEOM Sports Club provides us with an opportunity to positively contribute to developing sport in the Kingdom and help achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

“In NEOM, sport is a key contributor to a new form of livability, focusing on using sport as a tool for social growth, shaping lifestyle, uniting communities and contributing to NEOM’s dynamic economy,” he added.

“Announcing the new name and logo of the club marks a major milestone for NEOM in realizing its sports objectives, which include investing in active lifestyles and promoting sporting entities,” he said.

“We look forward to honoring the history of the club and its close ties to the local community whilst engaging the best talent and coaches to deliver high-performance athletes and players by providing a comprehensive and future-thinking high-performance ecosystem as guided by our vision.”

CEO of NEOM Sports Club Moaath Alohali said: “Today is a momentous occasion for the club, and we are proud to be a part of it. Our commitment to sport has been evident throughout our history, and alongside NEOM, we now have the opportunity to expand our expertise, grow as a football club and serve our community with several sports that cater to all ages.”

NEOM Sports Club has already made several achievements in multiple sports. In football, the club is currently top of their group in the Second League Division. The club’s youth football team has been competing to qualify for the Saudi Pro League, along with its female team, which was inaugurated and entered the first division. The team are currently focused on achieving promotion to the Women’s Premier League.

The teams at the club competing in badminton for youth and billiards have successfully been promoted to their respective premier leagues. Additionally, the club’s volleyball team is also competing this year for promotion. The club has recently established several basketball teams across different divisions, one of which is for women, in addition to inaugurating a handball academy. In terms of awards, the club won four medals, following participation in six different competitions during the Saudi Games.

Founded in 1965 as Al Suqor Club, the NEOM Sports Club’s Football Team currently competes in the Second Division of the Saudi Pro League. Playing its home matches at the King Khalid Sport City Stadium in Tabuk, its players are predominantly Saudi nationals. Its well-known previous players include Fahad Abo Jaber, Saod Al-Kaebari, and Mohammad Al-Shamrani.

NEOM Sports Club is currently home to 13 different sports, including football, basketball, martial arts and table tennis, with teams and sessions available for men, women and children of all ages.



Sabalenka Sees off Pavlyuchenkova to Reach Australian Open Semifinals 

 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
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Sabalenka Sees off Pavlyuchenkova to Reach Australian Open Semifinals 

 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates winning her Women's Singles quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the semifinals of the Australian Open with a battling 6-2 2-6 6-3 win over Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, as her quest for a third straight title at Melbourne Park gained momentum.

Sabalenka had looked shaky early in her quest to become the first woman to complete a "three-peat" since Martina Hingis from 1997-99 and the top seed had to manage gusty winds and a gutsy opponent to extend her Melbourne win streak to 19 matches.

"Honestly, I was just praying today. I was just praying to put the ball back in these tough conditions," Sabalenka said.

"We both were trying to put the ball back. It was very difficult to play. She played amazing tennis, aggressive. I'm super happy I was able to somehow magically win this match."

After three straightforward holds of serve at the start of the match, Sabalenka displayed the variety she has added to her game with a drop shot from deep to earn break points and then converted it with a more familiar backhand bullet.

Pavlyuchenkova, who has the word "MEOW" tattooed on her leg in sharp contrast to the tiger on Sabalenka's arm, attempted to claw her way back in a tight game that followed but only found herself in more trouble down 4-1 after a shot into the net.

"I was born in the year of tiger and I literally dreamt for six months about getting a tiger tattoo," Sabalenka added of the animal that has become her totem.

"After six months of this crazy dream, I was like 'you know what, I have to go and get it done' and now, it's a reminder to never give up and just stay aggressive, stay hungry and push yourself no matter what what's going on in your life."

A running crosscourt winner handed Sabalenka the first set but the 26-year-old Belarusian squandered break points early in the next set before surrendering her serve for the first time, as Pavlyuchenkova showed her own repertoire of big shots.

Sabalenka splashed cold water on her face after dropping serve again to go 4-1 down and despite pulling one back with a sliced winner, the world number one allowed Pavlyuchenkova to level up the contest on Rod Laver Arena.

The breaks of serve flowed at the start of the decider before Sabalenka settled herself with a hold to go ahead 3-2 and then 5-3 up with a crucial break, which allowed her to secure victory and book a clash with her best friend Paula Badosa.

"Sometimes maybe it's good to have these tough battles, to go through it, to be tougher for the last stages of the tournament," Sabalenka said.

"I wish I would win this match in straight sets but it is how it is. I'm glad I'm in the semis and I cannot wait to play against Paula."