Saudi Games Torch Returns to Riyadh After Month-Long Journey Across the Kingdom

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
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Saudi Games Torch Returns to Riyadh After Month-Long Journey Across the Kingdom

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA
The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities. SPA

The torch of the Saudi Games 2024 has returned to the capital Riyadh, after a 30-day journey across the Kingdom, covering over 3,500 kilometers.

The torch is not just a sports symbol but also represents the noble values embodied by the Saudi Games and spreads a message of peace and friendship to all it reaches. Similarly, it is not simply a celebration of the Olympic spirit but a symbol of human unity, spreading messages of motivation to every individual in the Kingdom to participate in this exceptional annual sporting event.

The torch traveled to various regions of the Kingdom and was celebrated in at least 17 cities.

The torch also visited at least 47 cultural and historical landmarks, including the Bujairi District in Diriyah, Jabal Ikmah and the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla, the Bajdah Desert in NEOM, and Wadi Lajab in Jazan.

Athletes participating in the games this year will compete for prizes totaling SAR200 million. Gold medalists will receive SAR1 million, silver medalists SAR300,000, and bronze medalists SAR100,000.

In the youth category, gold medalists will receive SAR100,000, silver medalists SAR50,000, and bronze medalists SAR25,000.



Indian Football Team Refuses to Travel to Iran for Game Because of Security Fears

An anti-Israel billboard is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
An anti-Israel billboard is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
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Indian Football Team Refuses to Travel to Iran for Game Because of Security Fears

An anti-Israel billboard is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters
An anti-Israel billboard is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, October 2, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giants has refused to travel to Iran to play Tractor SC in an Asian Champions League Two match scheduled for Wednesday because of the escalating security problems in the country and region.

The Kolkata club asked the Asian Football Confederation to reschedule the match, which was due to take place in the northwestern city of Tabriz. The teams play in the continent’s second-tier competition.

The organization released a statement on Tuesday that said: “The matter will be referred to the relevant AFC Committees with further updates to be communicated in due course.”

In the top-tier Asian Champions League Elite, four-time champion Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia made it two victories from two with a 5-0 win over Al-Shorta of Iraq.

Marcos Leonardo, signed from Benfica as cover for the injured Neymar, opened the scoring after 11 minutes. Aleksandar Mitrovic made it 2-0 four minutes later. Salem Al-Dawsari, Nasser Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno each scored in the second half.

Elsewhere, Qatar’s Al-Gharafa of Qatar defeated Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates 4-2.

The 24 teams in the revamped tournament are divided into two groups of 12 — one based in the west and one in the east — with the top eight from each progressing to the round of 16.

In the eastern zone, Gwangju FC of South Korea won a second game in its first appearance in Asia with a 1-0 win at Kawasaki Frontale of Japan. Jasir Asani’s first-half penalty was enough.

Also from South Korea, three-time champion Pohang Steelers recovered from an opening-round loss to beat Shanghai Port 3-0. City rival Shanghai Shenhua lost by the same scoreline to Johor of Malaysia while Thailand’s Buriram United won 2-1 at Australia’s Central Coast Mariners.