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.



Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
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Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury to retain the WBA (Super), WBO and WBC world heavyweight titles in Riyadh, saying the boxer embodied the fighting spirit of Ukrainians.

Undefeated Usyk, who took Fury's WBC belt in their first bout in May, beat the British two-time world champion in the rematch by unanimous decision, handing him the second loss of his professional career.

"Victory! So important and so needed by all of us right now," Zelenskiy, who had led Ukraine in its war with Russia since Moscow invaded its neighbor in 2022, wrote on X.

"By defending his championship belt, Oleksandr Usyk proves: we are Ukrainians and we will not give up what is ours! No matter how hard it gets - we will overcome everything.

"Whether it is in the ring, on the battlefield or in the diplomatic arena - we will fight and we will not give up what is ours! Congratulations on your victory, Cossack! Congratulations on your victory, Ukraine!"

Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, who enlisted in the Ukrainian military reserves before Russia's invasion, was at the Kingdom Arena to witness Usyk's victory.

"Ukraine is fortunate to have you. You're a true standard-bearer of our resilience... glory to Ukraine," Klitschko wrote on X.