Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games

Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games
Above, Saudi Arabia’s Fayik Abdi competes in the men’s giant slalom during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 13, 2022. (AFP)
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Updated 08 February 2025
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Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games

Saudi skiing pioneer Fayik Abdi carries Kingdom’s hopes at 2025 Asian Winter Games
  • At the age of 24, Abdi became the first ever athlete from the Kingdom to take part in the Winter Olympics

LONDON: It was three years ago that Fayik Abdi’s life changed forever. At the age of 24, Abdi became the first ever athlete from Saudi Arabia to compete in the Winter Olympics, taking part in the men’s giant slalom event at the Beijing 2022 Games. Just a couple of years earlier, he had been working as a ski technician in the resorts of Utah.

Abdi finished in 44th place out of 46 in China — a huge achievement given that a further 43 athletes, almost half of the entire giant slalom field, did not complete the race. Unsurprisingly, it is a memory that still feels fresh in the mind of the Saudi skier.

“It was surreal,” Abdi told Arab News. “Walking into the Olympic Village, wearing the Saudi flag and knowing I was making history was overwhelming.

“Being the first Saudi athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics was an incredible honor, and it’s something I will always be proud of. There was a lot of pressure, but at the same time, I felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility.

“It wasn’t about me — it was about inspiring others in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world to dream big and believe that anything is possible.”

The impact of Abdi competing was almost immediate. The Saudi Snow Sports Federation was established as an independent entity in 2022 and athletes interested in representing the Kingdom internationally began to approach the organization.

Fast-forward three years and Abdi is now leading the first ever Saudi delegation at the Asian Winter Olympics, which launched with its opening ceremony on Friday.

Returning to China, this time to the resort of Harbin, the 27-year-old is no longer alone. Alongside Abdi are two female skiers — Joud Farhoud and Sharifa Al-Sudairi — and a male curling team.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Abdi said from the athletes’ village in Harbin. “Just a few years ago, we had very little representation in winter sports, and now we have a growing delegation. It’s a testament to how much the sport is developing in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m honored to be part of this journey and to help pave the way for future generations of Saudi winter athletes.”

What began with a few ski lessons on family holidays as a child has morphed into a sporting opportunity that few in the world are able to experience.

“The more I skied, the more I wanted to push myself and improve,” he recalled. “Over time, I fell in love with the feeling of speed, the precision of carving turns and the challenge of racing against the clock.”

Abdi’s Winter Olympics debut attracted global headlines; understandably, people did not expect an elite skier to emerge from a nation that is better known for its vast desert.

It captured people’s attention in a similar fashion to the story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s participation at the 1988 Games, which was later immortalized in the film “Cool Runnings.”

Abdi said: “Most people are surprised at first as they don’t expect a skier to come from Saudi Arabia, given our climate. But once they learn more, they realize how dedicated I am to the sport and how much winter sports are growing in the region.

“The reactions have gone from surprise to excitement, especially now that more Saudi athletes are taking part in winter sports.”

While sending an inaugural delegation to this month’s Asian Winter Games is a big step for Saudi Arabia, there is a giant leap to come in four years’ time.

The Kingdom has never shied away from hosting major sporting events and in 2029, the Asian Winter Games is coming to Trojena — NEOM’s mountain tourism destination.

“It’s a huge milestone for winter sports in Saudi Arabia,” Abdi said. “Hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Trojena shows the commitment to developing winter sports infrastructure in the region.

“It will introduce more people to the sport and create opportunities for young athletes. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and hopefully competing there as well.”

Abdi has skied all over the world — picking out Snowbird, Utah as his most “unforgettable” experience — and believes that the SSSF and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee will do everything possible to ensure Trojena 2029 is a memorable event for athletes and fans.

On a personal level, Abdi is striving to improve and become more competitive. The Saudi skier says he finds inspiration from international athletes and those closer to home, too.

“I have a lot of respect for Wayne Rooney, Rafael Nadal and Max Verstappen because of their hard work, dominance and consistency in their sports,” Abdi said.

“From Saudi Arabia, I admire my brother Faris Abdi and Tarek Hamdi (2020 Olympic karate silver medalist) for their work ethic, grit and winning mentality.”

Hamdi in particular offers a blueprint for sporting success on the biggest stage of all. And before Trojena 2029, Abdi has his sights firmly set on making it to a second successive Winter Olympics when the quadrennial event takes place in Milan-Cortina next year.

“My goal is absolutely to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics and I’m training hard to make that happen,” Abdi said. “I want to continue pushing myself, improving my performance and representing Saudi Arabia on the world stage.”


Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova

Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova
Updated 10 June 2025
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Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova

Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova
  • Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break

ITALY: Sacked Italy manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out with a victory after his side labored to an uninspired 2-0 home win over Moldova in their World Cup qualification match on Monday thanks to goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso.
Spalletti announced his own dismissal on Sunday following Italy’s 3-0 loss in Norway in their opening group game on Friday, but took charge for one final time where again the performance showed why a change of leadership was required.
Norway, who won 1-0 in Estonia with Erling Haaland netting the winner, top Group I on 12 points from four games, with Israel on six points after three matches while Italy are third with three points from their two games.
“I asked the guys to let me go out with a victory,” Spalletti told Sky Sport shortly before kickoff.
While his players duly obliged, it was perhaps a fitting end to Spalletti’s time on the bench as another lacklustre showing failed to light up a far from full Stadio Citta del Tricolore.
With Italy’s slow, predictable build-up play failing to break through the visitors’ rearguard, the hosts were given an early wake-up call when Ion Nicolaescu found the net only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break.
A headed clearance fell to Raspadori in the box who struck first time into the bottom corner but Moldova almost levelled before halftime when Oleg Reabciuk’s shot from distance was parried away by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Artur Ionita’s follow-up effort went wide of the far post and Daniel Dumbravanu’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Federico Dimarco as Italy hung onto their lead.
Italy doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when substitute Riccardo Orsolini sent a low cross into the area which Davide Frattesi knocked on to Cambiaso who fired past keeper Cristian Avram.
The two-goal cushion failed to inspire Italy. Frattesi was sent through on goal from a ball over the top by Alessandro Bastoni but he sent his shot straight at the keeper and Moldova continued to create chances of their own.
“We struggled again tonight,” Spalletti told Rai Sport.
“When you are the coach of the national team you cannot have alibis because he chooses the players and if they don’t do well he can change them.”
Spalletti’s name was booed by large sections of the crowd when read out before kickoff, and the game failed to improve the mood, and Italian fans will hope for better when a replacement, rumored to be Claudio Ranieri, is installed.


De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller

De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller
Updated 10 June 2025
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De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller

De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller
  • De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium’s blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku inside half an hour had given Belgium a dream start.
Wales, though, rallied through a Harry Wilson penalty, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to stun the side ranked eighth in the world.
But De Bruyne rode to his nation’s rescue, as he has so often in a stellar career, by steering in Tielemans’ perfect cross in the 88th minute.
Defeat was Craig Bellamy’s first as Wales manager as they fell just short of a national record of 10 matches unbeaten.
However, there remains plenty of positives for Wales’ hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup.
They sit second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia, and three in front of Belgium, who have two games in hand.
Only one side will automatically qualify with second earning a place in the play-offs.
After a 1-1 draw at North Macedonia on Friday to begin their qualifying campaign, Rudi Garcia recalled three of his Premier League stars in Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana and Tielemans and Belgium clicked into gear.
De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal.
Tielemans rounded off a brilliant team move for the home side’s second moments later as he turned in Maxime De Cuyper’s low cross.
A dazzling solo effort from Doku compounded Wales’ woes as they seemed set for a second half of damage limitation.
However, Harry Wilson’s penalty reduced the visitors’ deficit in first half stoppage time after Matz Sels was controversially penalized for a clash with Chris Mepham.
Bellamy’s men were right back in the game when Wilson brilliantly picked out Thomas to slot home Wales’ second six minutes into the second period.
Johnson’s header completed the comeback 21 minutes from time, but the visitors were unable to hold out against Belgium’s superior firepower.
Lukaku had a second goal controversially ruled out for the ball being out of play in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.
That proved to be a mere reprieve for Wales as moments later Tielemans’ cross picked out the unmarked De Bruyne to volley in at the back post.


Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia

Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
Updated 10 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia

Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
  • Green Falcons are guaranteed at least a play-off spot but could still secure automatic qualification, though it would take a 5-goal victory

JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year.

Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: “We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification).

“We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win.

“We’re excited for this match. Some think we’re already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It’s very important to win (on Tuesday).”

Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. Saudi Arabia and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots.

Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday’s game.

“We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,” he said. “I’ll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.”

The Green Falcons completed their preparations with a training session on Monday evening at the reserve pitch at King Abdullah Sports City.

Images released by the national team on social media showed Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal talking to players at the session. 

The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.


Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem
Updated 09 June 2025
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Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem
  • FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth

DUBAI:  An official visit to Japan by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the ties between the organization and one of the world’s most influential nations in motorsport and mobility.

Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit highlighted the country’s investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events.

As motorsport’s international governing body and federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety and sustainability.

During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency Koji Murofushi, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano.

“This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan, a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,” said Ben Sulayem.

“It was a personal honor to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector.”

Discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility.

 “From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society,” added Ben Sulayem.

“The JAF’s dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.”

JAF President Masayoshi Sakaguchi said: “We were honored to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport.

“Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety and sustainability in these fields. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.”

Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolizing the close relationship between Japan’s automotive leaders and the FIA’s global mission.

The visit comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum for Japan’s motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers — a 20 percent increase over the past five years — while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April recorded its highest attendance since 2006.

Ben Sulayem is now in Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event starts on Tuesday and will welcome more than 500 senior FIA mobility and motorsport delegates from 149 countries.


Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings

Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings
Updated 09 June 2025
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Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings

Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings
  • Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final

PARIS: Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.
Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals last year, gained 500 points for reaching this year’s final.
Spaniard Alcaraz lifted the title for the second straight year, gained no points and remained second.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev remained third despite his quarter-final elimination to Novak Djokovic.
At 38, Serb Djokovic, who was unable to take a set from Sinner in the semifinals despite a strong fight, climbed one place to fifth, still behind Jack Draper.
The Briton also climbed one place to a career-high fourth after his memorable loss in the round of 16 to Alexander Bublik.
The latter, who was then swept aside by Sinner, jumped 19 places to 43rd.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, forced to retire against Alcaraz in the semifinal, continued his ascent with another place gain to reach world number six for the first time.
Taylor Fritz, eliminated in the first round, dropped three places to seven with fellow American Tommy Paul climbing to eighth, his best ranking ever.
Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, dropped eight places to No. 16 in the ATP rankings after losing in the second round this year.

ATP rankings:
1. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 10,880 pts
2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 8,850
3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,385
4. Jack Draper (GBR) 4,800 (+1)
5. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4,630 (+1)
6. Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) 4,560 (+1)
7. Taylor Fritz (USA) 4,485 (-3)
8. Tommy Paul (USA) 3,510 (+4)
9. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,440 (+1)
10. Alex De Minaur (AUS) 3,285 (-1)
11. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,100
12. Ben Shelton (USA) 3,080 (+1)
13. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 3,015 (+3)
14. Arthur Fils (FRA) 2,935
15. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 2,920
16. Casper Ruud (NOR) 2,905 (-8)
17. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 2,322 (+2)
18. Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) 2,285
19. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,205 (-2)
20. Ugo Humbert (FRA) 2,195 (+1)