Sports – Arabian Records (1st post : Eid Al Fitr – 01st Shawwal 1439 (AH) / 15th June 2018 ) / (BETA testing – Research

QATAR : Individual honours, struggles, and mega events: Qatar’s 2024 in sports

A year that started with a sporting success in the form of an Asian Cup win at home ended in mixed results.

Titles, goodbyes, the highs and low: 2024 was anything but a boring year for Qatari sports as the country continued hosting mega events, yet similarly took a few stumbles on the pitch.

While the likes of Mutaz Barshim and Akram Afif dominated the headlines with their glories, the other side saw Qatari sides struggle to keep up their good form, whether in World Cup qualification or the Olympics.

Let’s take a look at some of the standout themes that defined Qatar’s 2024.

Barshim bags bronze in Paris Olympics 2024

Mutaz Barshim defied odds once again to win bronze at the Men’s high jump event, securing Qatar’s only medal of the Paris Olympics 2024.

While it was an underwhelming campaign for the Qatari contingent that had defied expectations to clinch two golds in Tokyo, Barshim’s win became a highlight. It was his fourth Olympic medal — a fitting end to a tournament that the high jumper had termed to be his last before the trip to Paris.

However, the 33-year-old multiple-time world champion hinted at the possibility of competing in the next Olympics, upon his return to Doha. “Never say never,” he said, in an exclusive chat with Doha News.

‘Sporting DNA : Mutaz Barshim keeps raising the bar and it all starts with his family

The year 2024 was also Aspire Academy’s 20th anniversary, which the country’s premier athletic scouting and training centre celebrated in style, hosting multiple seminars and events, such as the Aspire Global Summit as well as giving home to FIFA’s The Best Football Awards during its Gala Dinner in December.

Asian Cup triumph, Al-Haydos’ farewell and Afif’s ascent

The year ends in uncertainty for Qatar just like it started for Qatari football.

However, there were significant achievements in between. Much like the sport itself, it was a game of two halves for Qatari football — a perfect first half, followed by a tough second.

Qatar hosted and ultimately defended the Asian Cup crown in February as Akram Afif became the difference maker yet again. The tournament drew record attendance number as well as record engagement figures, underscoring yet another successful tournament in Qatar.

Al Annabi’s longstanding two-time Asian Cup-winning captain Hassan Al-Haydos retired from international football after the tournament, putting an end to the most capped Qatari career ever.

Qatar continued their good run under Bartolome Marquez Lopez at the World Cup Qualifiers thereafter, ending the second round unbeaten. The AFC U-23 Asian Cup was also hosted by the country in between, where Japan were crowned the champions.

It started going downhill with the loss against UAE at home with the start of the third round of the Asian Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup 2026. While Afif clinched his second AFC Player of the Year title, Qatar’s hopes of making it to the tournament in North America hangs in balance with just two wins and three losses from the first six games. The team also crashed out of the group stages of the Arabian Gulf Cup following two draws and a defeat.

In the meantime, Qatar also hosted two of the Palestine national team’s qualifying games, the former of which in June saw Al Fida’i make it to the last round of World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon. Similarly, the Qatar U-20 team seamlessly qualified, at home, for the U-20 Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next year.

Qatar was also the home to FIFA’s new club competition, the Intercontinental Cup, which saw European champions Real Madrid win in Lusail Stadium. The Stadium 974 was put to use for the first time since the 2022 World Cup for two of the tournament’s matches.

A good year for racket sports

The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex was a busy venue this year as it hosted multiple tournaments throughout the year, including the Qatar Open tennis event in February, the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash event in September and October, followed by the World Padel Championship in November.

Russian player Karen Kachanov won the men’s Qatar Exxonmobil Open, while Polish Iga Swiatek claimed the women’s event held in February. Qatar Exxonmobil Open will now return as an ATP 500 event and was also voted the best ATP 250 event on calendar for 2024.

The QTerminals Qatar Classic saw Diego Elias and Nour Al-Sherbini come out on top of the men’s and women’s events, marking a thrilling end to the squash event.

Argentina’s men’s team and Spain’s women’s team maintained their dominance by lifting the World Championship in Padel, which saw some of the world’s finest compete in Doha.

Qatar’s squash ace Abdullah Al-Tamimi capped the year off in style, winning the Cape Town Squash Open 2024 his first title away from Qatar since 2022.

Glory in motorsports and skydiving

Qatar won four gold medals at the World Air Sports Federation (FAI)’s World Championships which was hosted by Czechia’s Prostejov in the first week of September.

Qatar won three golds in events across the Canopy Formation category and bagged solitary gold in male Style and Accuracy landing in the six-day tournament.

It was yet another year of glory for Qatari rally driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who clinched his third FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (WR2C) in October after winning the 2024 Rallye du Maroc with his French co-driver Edouard Boulanger for the Dacia Sandriders.

Al-Attiyah’s decorated racing career now boasts seven Rallye Du Maroc titles, in addition to five wins in the Dakar Rally and 13 Middle East Rally wins.

What also stood out, however, was Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari’s victory in the Middle East Rally Championship as well as the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation’s triumph in the Baja Middle East Teams Championship — all of whom were awarded in December at the annual FIA Awards.

Qatar also hosted the pinnacle of motorbike and motor racing, the MotoGP and the F1 Grand Prix – the latter of which saw record-breaking attendance at the Lusail International Circuit.

Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia won the MotoGP event held in March, whereas Max Verstappen rose against the odds to win his second Qatar Grand Prix on December 1, despite starting away from the front of the grid.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI motorcycle stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch sets new world record on ice

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute.

Saudi stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch kept his cool to set a new world record for a motorcycle wheelie — on ice.

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute, a feat that has earned him entry into the Guinness World Records 2023 edition.

Scotch, 39, told Arab News that he had been preparing for around two years for the record attempt, which took place at an ice hall in Jeddah.

He said: “I’m proud of achieving this new record because it carries the name of Saudi Arabia, my country. I didn’t break the record, but I achieved a new world record that no one had done before.

“In 2017, to deviate from the norm and at the same time to have fun, the idea stuck in my mind, and I tried it first in a skating rink in Makkah.

“(In 2022), after researching and communicating with officials (from Guinness World Records), they informed me that no one in the world had achieved this record, so I decided to do it.

“I began the journey of rebuilding the project from scratch after obtaining approval from Guinness World Records. I searched for a private ice rink to execute this experiment,” he added.

Scotch designed studded tires and worked out the variables for his motorbike.

“When I received the official email from Guinness World Records congratulating me as a new world record holder, I could not believe it or comprehend it.

“I read the email more than once, and I told my mother, my family, and all my friends who stood with me in obtaining this record, and their joy was unbelievable,” he said.

Scotch has been riding and doing stunts since the age of 16 and turned professional in 2013. He has participated in several international stunt competitions including in Bulgaria, Egypt, and the UAE.

At the beginning of last year, he became a certified trainer with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

“I am glad that I could raise the name of Saudi Arabia to new levels with my latest achievement and my international appearances,” he added.

Scotch, whose achievements were recently acknowledged by the federation’s chairman, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, aims to set more records.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Saudi stunt rider in Jeddah recently set new world record as he popped a wheelie on his motorcycle then drove in 14 circles on ice for one minute. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO crowned ‘FIFA Arab Cup Champions’ after dramatic final of the 11th edition in Lusail, Doha

Morocco won the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup with an action-packed 3–2 victory over Jordan in the final.

Exactly three years on from the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Lusail Stadium once again hosted the coronation of a champion. This time, it was the Arab world that came together in Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cup.

After 29 matches over 18 days, Morocco and Jordan were the last two teams left in contention for the title. The Atlas Lions had previously won the tournament in 2012, while Jordan were appearing in their first Arab Cup final, just a few years after losing the Asian Cup final at the same venue.

Before kick-off, there were concerns that the match would not go ahead at all. An unusually heavy downpour in Doha led to the suspension of the third-place match between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, raising doubts about the final. While several events were cancelled due to the weather, the showpiece match proceeded as planned.

Tens of thousands of fans braved thunderstorms to pack Lusail Stadium, and they were rewarded just minutes into the game. Oussama Tannane opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort from inside Morocco’s own half, giving the Atlas Lions an early lead.

Jordan were unable to find an equaliser before the break, but tournament top scorer Ali Olwan levelled the match just two minutes into the second half with a powerful header. He then put Jordan ahead from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, setting up a dramatic finish.

Morocco’s pressure paid off late on when substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah turned the ball in from close range just three minutes before full time, sending the match into extra time. The veteran striker struck again in the 100th minute, restoring Morocco’s lead. This time, the Atlas Lions held firm to seal a memorable victory.

While the atmosphere of the World Cup was always going to be impossible to replicate, echoes of that tournament were felt throughout the Arab Cup. Fans travelled from across the region, filling stadiums, metro stations and fan zones to create a festival-like atmosphere.

There were memorable moments across the competition. Hosts Qatar endured a difficult campaign and exited at the group stage, while Palestine captured widespread admiration with their first-ever run to the knockout rounds. They pushed World Cup-bound Saudi Arabia to extra time in the quarter-finals before eventually bowing out.

Individual honours were also handed out following the final. Jordan’s Ali Olwan was awarded the Golden Boot, Morocco’s Mehdi Benabid received the Golden Glove, and Morocco’s Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named Best Player of the tournament.

Attention will now turn to the future, with the FIFA Arab Cup set to return to Qatar for its next two editions in 2029 and 2033.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

MOROCCAN Nezha Bidouane Secures New Term on International Sport for All Board

Nezha Bidouane has been granted a new four-year term on the governing board of the International Sport for All Federation (FISPT) following elections held during the organization’s general congress in central Italy.

The Moroccan sports official, who serves as President of the Royal Moroccan Federation for Sport for All, retained her seat as delegates from dozens of countries convened on January 24 and 25 to determine the federation’s future leadership.

Bidouane’s renewed mandate reinforces Morocco’s representation within global sports governance at a time when the country continues to expand its engagement on the international sports stage. Her role reflects sustained efforts to promote wider access to sport, emphasizing community participation and inclusivity beyond elite-level competition.

A former world-class athlete, Bidouane built a distinguished career in athletics, securing multiple international titles in the 400-meter hurdles and earning a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She has since transitioned into sports administration, where she remains actively involved in advancing inclusive and developmental sporting initiatives worldwide.

source/content: thegulfobserver.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

SAUDI ARABIA : Hail sets world record for largest off-road convoy

501 vehicles drive through the dunes of scenic Tuwaren.

Hail entered the Guinness World Records at the weekend after producing the largest-ever off-road production car convoy.

The previous record, some 449 vehicles in Australia, was smashed with 501 vehicles driving through the dunes of the scenic Tuwaren area, 42 km northwest of Hail and a location surrounded by the Aja Mountains.

A large number of people from various regions of the Kingdom, Gulf and Arab countries gathered to navigate an unpaved desert trail of 7 km, showcasing their spirit of adventure and the diversity of the region’s terrain.

The event was open to both seasoned off-road drivers and newcomers looking for a unique winter entertainment. This made it suitable for individuals, groups of friends, and families.

The convoy was accompanied by a variety of cultural and entertainment activities that contributed to enhancing the experience for visitors and participants.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Hail Province and the chairman of the board of the Development Authority, thanked the Saudi leadership for supporting the development of the Kingdom’s regions. He also praised Hail’s youngsters for taking part in breaking the world record.

Omar Abdullah Al-Abdul-Jabbar, the CEO of Hail Region Development Authority, told Arab News that Hail’s entry into the Guinness World Records was a national achievement.

He said: “Hail’s achievement of this Guinness world record for organizing the largest off-road rally further solidifies its position as a leading destination for desert adventures and activities, and strengthens its presence on the local and regional tourism map.”

The event was organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority and Hail Region Development Authority, with sponsorship from the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, and Culture House.

In addition, 14 government entities supported the event, including the Principality of Hail Region, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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501 vehicles took part in an off-road drive in Hail over the weekend, smashing the previous world record. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

QATARI owner of Paris Saint-Germain to take over Belgian club Eupen

QSI signed agreement with KSA Eupen’s current owner Aspire Zone Foundation

Eupen play in the second tier of Belgian football

The Qatari owners of Paris Saint-Germain are expanding their soccer portfolio with a deal to take over KAS Eupen, the Belgian league club said Tuesday.

Eupen currently plays in the second tier of Belgian soccer.

QSI, which also owns a minority stake in Portuguese side Sporting Braga, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Eupen’s current owner Aspire Zone Foundation — also a Qatari entity — for the full takeover of the club.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

“Throughout our discussions, Qatar Sports Investments has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the long term development of the club,” Eupen said in a statement.

PSG has won 11 Ligue 1 titles since QSI’s arrival and generated club-record revenue of 837 million euros ($976 million) last season.

PSG’s men’s team won the domestic double and clinched the Champions League for the first time this year by routing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, finally giving QSI the trophy it craved after taking over the club in 2011.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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PSG celebrating their Champions League win earlier this year. The club is owned by QSI which has agreed to purchase Belgium club KAS Eupen. (AFP/File)

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QATAR

QATAR : BOMA – the Desert Owl – takes flight as official mascot of FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025

Mascot pays tribute to legendary coach Velibor “Bora” Milutinović for his role in advancing football in Qatar and beyond

Doha, Qatar: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA today unveiled BOMA – the Desert Owl as the official tournament mascot – a character inspired by the legendary Serbian coach Velibor “Bora” Milutinović, the only manager in football history to lead five different national teams in five consecutive FIFA World Cup™ tournaments.

The name “Boma,” is derived from the Arabic word for owl – regarded as a symbol of wisdom, vision, and mentorship, and is a playful nod to Bora, whose career as both coach and talent scout has profoundly influenced football development in Qatar and across the world.

For a tournament that celebrates the emergence of new talent, BOMA embodies the pivotal role of a football scout – one who sees potential where others may not and helps young players spread their wings on the global stage.

Known affectionately as Coach Bora, Milutinović guided Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Nigeria, and China at five successive World Cups between 1986 and 2002 – a unique achievement unmatched in football history. He went on to coach Al Sadd SC of the Qatar Stars League in 2004,leading them to win the Amir Cup in the same year, and contributed to the country’s football development programmes, making him a fitting inspiration for this tournament’smascot.

Speaking to the LOC, Bora highlights the passion he holds for nurturing future footballers and the importance of the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in celebrating tomorrow’s stars.

“When it comes to discovering young talent, my greatest satisfaction as a coach has always been to promote emerging players – to show them that they must have the right attitude, believe in their dreams, and aim for the national team,” said Coach Bora. “I really like the idea behind the mascot and want to thank everyone who came up with it.” he added.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 marks a historic milestone as the first edition to feature 48 national teams, underscoring the tournament’s growing global reach.

“The World Cup is something truly special. When you’re young, you dream of playing at the highest level – and the U-17 team is the first step on that journey. It’s very important for young players to face the best in the world and see where they stand,” said Coach Bora.

“The team that scores more goals will win – it is as simple as that. But with young players, the outcome of matches often depends on inspiration, talent, and spirit. Most importantly, I hope everyone enjoys this World Cup. Enjoying the game is what truly matters, especially at the U-17 level, because that experience helps you grow both as a person and as an athlete,” he added.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. The final will take place on November 27, 7pm local time, at Khalifa International Stadium.

“Aspire Zone is incredible – it has some of the best facilities in the world. The U-17 World Cup will be played on perfect pitches, in perfect conditions. Qatar has a distinguished track record in hosting major events, and I’m sure we’ll see high-quality football once again. I still remember the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – it was unforgettable,” said Coach Bora.

Fans can purchase tickets at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Tickets are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.

Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.

All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.

Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1-18. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI’s 21-yr boxer Yara Al-Amri’s life changed after history-making Asian bronze medal win at ‘2025 Asian Elite Championships’ in Bangkok

Ten months after her win in Bangkok, the 21-year-old tells Arab News about the sport, balancing studies and training, and the development of women’s boxing in the Kingdom.

The end of 2024 will always hold special memories for Yara Al-Amri. In December last year the young boxer made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to win an Asian medal in boxing — a new milestone for the Kingdom’s fast-growing women’s sports scene.

The 21-year-old fighter earned a bronze medal at the Asian Elite Championships in Bangkok, competing in the 52-kilogram category in her first international appearance.

She told Arab News: “It was my first international appearance, which was the toughest part — competing outside my country without my home crowd and coaches.”

The win was historic not only for Al-Amri, but for Saudi sport. “This changed my life, as I wrote history for Saudi Arabia by winning the first Asian medal in women’s boxing,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have champions, but the sport is still new in our country. Despite starting later than many nations, we quickly reached their level and proved we can compete and succeed.”

Based in Riyadh, Al-Amri trains under Ali Al-Ahmari at Al-Shabab Club. Standing 174 cm tall, the right-handed orthodox fighter has built a record of 27 fights, with 23 wins and four losses, and holds seven Saudi national titles.

Her path into boxing began unexpectedly. “I first started boxing as a fitness exercise, but soon felt I truly belonged in the sport,” she said. “I’ve always loved challenge and competition, and boxing gave me exactly that. In the ring, it’s just me, my mind, and my hands. Boxing completely changed my lifestyle, making me more disciplined and committed.”

Al-Amri describes the sport as a test of focus as much as strength. “You have to be patient, strategic, and intelligent. Every movement matters.”

Outside the ring, Al-Amri is pursuing a university degree, juggling training sessions and academic deadlines.

“As a university student, my days are always a challenge,” she said. “I train twice a day — morning and evening — while balancing my classes, studies, and daily tasks. My schedule is packed, but I make sure to manage both my academic and athletic commitments.”

Her discipline extends beyond boxing. Earlier this year, she completed the Riyadh Half Marathon, describing the 21-kilometer run as “pure challenge and joy.”

After nearly 30 fights, Al-Amri has learned to embrace both victory and loss. “The biggest lesson I learned from a loss is never leaving the result to the judges,” she said. “The fight must be clear — you have to showcase your skills so strongly that there’s no doubt.

“Injuries and defeats also taught me resilience,” she added. “I always say: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Before a fight, I’ve learned to control nerves and pressure. It’s natural to feel it, but once I step into the ring, everything switches off — I focus only on my opponent.”

Al-Amri credits her success to the support around her. “My family has been my first and strongest supporters, from the beginning until today. Their belief in me gave me strength,” she said.

She also praised the institutions enabling women’s boxing to grow. “I deeply value the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — from our wise leadership to the ministry of sports, the Olympic Committee, the Saudi Boxing Federation, clubs, coaches, and the people. This collective support has been a huge force behind my journey.”

That system, she said, has helped turn a once niche pursuit into a recognized sport for Saudi women.

“My goal is to achieve as many titles as possible — national, regional, continental, and international,” Al-Amri said. “With God’s will, these achievements will come.”

She believes the next generation of Saudi women boxers will go even further. “Women’s boxing in Saudi Arabia has developed tremendously,” she said. “Clubs and coaches are now available across the country, teams are formed, and the determination of Saudi women is stronger than ever. We are capable of competing, representing, and making the sport grow even bigger.”

In only two years, Al-Amri has collected nine gold medals, seven national titles and two bronzes, combining athletic performance with academic success and public recognition.

Her rapid rise mirrors Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation under Vision 2030, which continues to expand opportunities for women in professional sports, from football and judo to boxing and beyond.

Al-Amri said her journey shows what happens when opportunity meets belief. “Boxing gave me strength and purpose,” she said. “It made me realize that nothing is impossible when you work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself.”

As she continues to train for upcoming championships and sets her sights on future world competitions, Al-Amri’s mission is simple: to raise Saudi Arabia’s flag on the global stage.

From her first punch in a Riyadh gym to her medal podium in Bangkok, Yara Al-Amri’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and proof that Saudi women are not just entering the ring, they are redefining it.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Yara Al-Amri salutes the crowd after her victory, becoming the first Saudi woman boxer to claim an Asian medal. (SUPPLIED)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SUDANESE AMERICAN : US-born swimmer Ziyad Saleem proud to represent Sudan, his parent’s country, at Olympics

Twenty-one-year-old swimmer, Ziyad Saleem, is one of four athletes representing Sudan in three disciplines at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Born in the United States, he says he’s proud to be racing in the 200m backstroke on behalf of his parents country.

“I’m super grateful, I’m excited to go back to Sudan, I was able to win gold medals at the African championships and also Arab, but I was never able to go back and kind of enjoy that with them,” he said.

Saleem add that the hopes to go back to Sudan “whenever Sudan’s back to normal”

The country was plunged into a civil war in 2023 which has seen hundreds of thousands of people displaced around the country and beyond its borders.

The young swimmer said he knows people back home are going through a lot and this has motivated him to be a positive factor, albeit for a short period.

“My own family has been displaced from Sudan to like Egypt and Ethiopia and different countries nearby, so I just know that they’re going through a lot,” he said.

“I’m just grateful that I have the opportunity to represent them and hopefully give them something to look forward to by my swimming.”

Also representing Sudan are 15-year-old 100m freestyle swimmer, Rana Hani, marathon runner, Yas Ezzeddine, and rower, Abdullah Al Araby.

source/conten: africanew.com (headline edited)

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US-born swimmer proud to represent Sudan, his parent’s country, at Olympics /africanews / youtube.com

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SUDAN

EGYPT : From El-Gamaliya to the Olympics: The Story of Boxer Mohamed Reda

From Cairo’s backstreets to the Olympics in Athens, Mohamed Reda opens up about discipline, family, and the academy where he now trains a new generation to dream with grit.

Here is a conversation with Olympic boxer Mohamed Reda, written by someone whose dad has been telling this story for years… Growing up, my dad never ran out of stories about school pranks, scraped report cards, and friends who became family. But one story always stood out. He had a friend, a real friend, who went on to become an Olympic silver medallist in boxing. The guy’s name was Mohamed Reda.

For years, I thought the story might be exaggerated, until I looked him up and found out he’s real, he’s famous, and he runs a professional boxing academy in Cairo. And eventually, I got the chance to sit with him for an interview. My dad was probably more excited than Reda himself when I told him.

Reda welcomed me with the same calm energy that has shaped his whole career. “I’m a son of El-Gamaliya, Haret El-Maghrabaleen, to be specific,” he said. “That neighbourhood taught me that being a man doesn’t come from how you look. It’s how you carry yourself. People there helped each other just because it was the right thing to do. That’s what I grew up around. That’s what shaped me.” He grinned. “Also, I still remember that foul cart on the corner. Mornings with foul and chilli oil… nothing like it.”

His entry into boxing wasn’t really planned. “It looked like a coincidence. My coach lived in our neighbourhood and wanted to do my dad a favour. But the moment I put those gloves on, something clicked. I felt like I’d found something I didn’t know I was looking for.” Reda still remembers the first real match. The nerves, the smell of sweat, the shouting coach, the shaky legs. “It was at Darb Al-Ahmar Club, my first championship. Everything about that day stayed with me. That was the first time I felt like I’d started writing my name in the sport.”

He’s worn gloves with the Egyptian flag stitched into them. When I asked what that meant, his answer was simple. “Every time I put them on, I felt the weight of the country. You carry more than your own goals. It’s an honour. A responsibility.”

In 2004, he won silver for Egypt in the Athens Olympics. We chatted a lot about it, but what really stood out to me was him saying, “People see the medal. What they don’t see is the years of training, the injuries, the days I went to bed hungry, the nights I was in pain. They don’t see what you give up. You miss moments with people you love because you believe in something no one else can see yet.” After Athens, everything changed – and didn’t.

“People started calling me a star,” he said. “But I stayed Mohamed from El-Gamaliya. What changed was the responsibility. What didn’t change was my faith in God, my respect for my parents… and my love for foul with chilli oil.” Despite offers to go pro in Europe and the US, Reda chose to stay. “I had an eye issue. And more than that, I wanted to set an example. I wanted to build something here. Not everything is about the money.” Instead, he built a boxing academy, which was the next step in a lifelong goal.

“I wanted to train my son differently from how I was trained. I stopped competing, but I didn’t stop dreaming. The academy became that dream, a place to shape people as much as athletes.” The lessons go beyond the ring. “Victory’s great,” he said. “But what really matters is consistency. Show up when you’re tired. Respect your opponent. Respect yourself.” He sees parts of himself in the new generation. What surprises him most is how quickly they grow. “This generation? They’ve got energy. They’ve got guts. All they need is someone to steer them.”

Over the last few years, more women have joined the sport. For Reda, this was an opportunity to evolve his training. “I started listening more. Every girl has her own story. Boxing, for some, carries the weight of protection, the spark of confidence, and the breath of freedom beyond the sport alone. We adjusted our training to focus on skill, self-defence and respect.”

The academy now offers sessions exclusively for women. The experience has changed him as much as it’s changed them. “Give a girl a safe environment, and she’ll surprise you. That’s what I’ve seen. Greatness comes from will; gender has nothing to do with it. Every time one of them pushes through fear, she teaches me something new.”

When I asked about a moment from his career that stayed with him – even though it never made the headlines – he didn’t hesitate. “After losing a championship, I came home feeling like I wasn’t cut out for it any more. I told myself I was done. But when I walked in and saw my wife’s eyes, she didn’t say a word, but the belief she had in me… that’s what brought me back. No one wrote about that. But that moment made me a champion.”When I asked Reda about his definition of strength or power, he answered, “Strength is getting back up when you fall. It’s staying calm when someone tries to get under your skin. It’s holding onto your humanity when things get tough. The real strength? It’s in your heart and your head, not in your gloves.”

Before I left, I asked what he hoped kids would take from his story. “I hope they see that champions rise through what they build, step by step. Built from every tough moment, every ‘I can’t’ that turns into ‘I did.’ Boxing is a big school. It teaches you to face yourself. And if you’ve got a dream – any dream – you’ve got to believe it can happen. There’s always room for another Mohamed Reda.” After the interview, I called my dad to tell him how it went. He said, “I told you he was the real deal.” And honestly? He really is.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT