Xavi believes Saudi Pro League ‘can grow as much’ as Kingdom wants

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Speaking at a press conference before the start of the Spanish Super Cup 2024, currently underway in Riyadh, the Barcelona legend was emphatic in his praise of football in the Kingdom. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Xavi believes Saudi Pro League ‘can grow as much’ as Kingdom wants

  • Ahead of Spanish Super Cup semifinal in Riyadh on Thursday, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez says he keeps close eye on local football
  • Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate believes clash with Barca is ‘historic moment for team’

RIYADH: Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes the Saudi Pro League will “grow as much as Saudi Arabia wants it to grow” and says he is “a big fan” of the competition.

Speaking at a press conference before the start of the Spanish Super Cup 2024, currently underway in Riyadh, the Barcelona legend was emphatic in his praise of football in the Kingdom.

Xavi, whose side face CA Osasuna in the second semifinal of this year’s Spanish Super Cup at Al-Awwal Park on Thursday night, knows the region well, having ended his playing career, and began his managerial career, in Qatar.

Xavi said: “I think the league can grow as much as the Saudi executives want. They have all the capacity to grow. I have competed in several cups across Asia in the past and the Saudi teams were already the best in the region. If you now add to the mix the players that keep coming to the league, they will be even more competitive. The league will grow as much as they want it to grow. They will be hosting the World Cup in 2034 and the country will grow significantly. They have all the capacity to grow and to invest.”

Xavi, who has managed Barcelona for three years and had 17 distinguished years of service at the Nou Camp as a first-team player, added: “I am a big fan of the Saudi league. I was at Al-Sadd in Qatar, and I follow Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab and many other teams in Saudi. There are very big names competing in this league and it has grown significantly. The Saudi league was already one of the most competitive leagues in the region and with the players and coaches that are coming here, it will grow even more.”

Barcelona, under Xavi’s command, are the Spanish Super Cup holders, having won the 2023 edition in Riyadh by beating archrivals Real Madrid 3-1 in the final. Barcelona went on to claim the La Liga title, and Xavi says they are determined to retain the Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona have won the competition 14 times, more than any other club.

Xavi said: “Last year we won two titles and one of them was the Super Cup. That win was a turning point for the team, we clicked and, of course, we want to win another title. We have a tough rival in the semifinal, whom we really respect along with their coach.”

The 43-year-old manager’s thoughts were echoed by Barcelona’s Uruguayan international defender Ronald Araujo, a member of last season’s Spanish Super Cup winning team.

Araujo said: “Winning the Super Cup last year was a turning point for the team. We want this to be the case again. We really want to win again because it is a very important title for the team now and for Barcelona Football Club.”

While Barcelona, currently third in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, go into the semifinal as firm favorites, Osasuna will do everything they can to achieve a momentous victory in Riyadh. The Pamplona-based side lie 12th in the 20-team league, and enter the Spanish Super Cup 2024 having been runners-up to Real Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final.

Osasuna manager Jagoba Arrasate said of the upcoming Spanish Super Cup semifinal versus Barcelona: “This is an historic moment for the team and now that we are here, we need to give it all. No one can take away from us the illusion of winning.

“Barcelona’s style is to dominate the match, but we must have the ball and make them uncomfortable. We need the best version of Osasuna in order to win and, of course, we are hoping to have a very special night.”

Osasuna captain David Garcia said: “For me, participating in this Super Cup is a dream come true. I have played for this team since I was 9 years old and being here with my friends and the team makes me very proud.

“It is never a good time to face a rival of the stature of Barcelona, even if they are not going through the best moment. I would like to see an Osasuna team that is solid, competitive and that plays true to its style. I really believe in the team’s winning mindset for the game,” added the 29-year-old.

This is the fourth time that the Spanish Super Cup has been played in Saudi Arabia. In 2020, Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid on penalties in Jeddah, and won the trophy again two years later by beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in Riyadh. Last year, the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh witnessed a fascinating El Clasico final as Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid.

The four-team Spanish Super Cup 2024 features the winners and runners-up of La Liga and Copa del Rey. Thursday’s semifinal between Barcelona and Osasuna kicks off at 10 p.m. Saudi Arabia time. The final of the competition takes place on Sunday at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh at 10 p.m. with Barcelona or Osasuna playing Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal on Wednesday.


UAE jiu-jitsu team dominates day one in Amman with two golds

UAE team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals. supplied
Updated 25 May 2025
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UAE jiu-jitsu team dominates day one in Amman with two golds

  • The team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the men’s divisions, reaffirming its dominance in one of the continent’s most prestigious jiu-jitsu competitions

Amman: The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team began its campaign at the 9th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship with a strong showing, securing seven medals on the first day of competition at Prince Hamzah Hall in Al-Hussein Youth City, Amman.

The team captured two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the men’s divisions, reaffirming its dominance in one of the continent’s most prestigious jiu-jitsu competitions.

Theyab Al-Nuaimi (56kg) and Mohamed Ali Al-Suwaidi (69kg) each claimed gold, while Omar Al-Suwaidi (56kg) and Khaled Al-Shehhi (62kg) earned silver. Mehdi Al-Awlaki (77kg), Hazza Al-Qubaisi (85kg) and Faraj Al-Awlaki (94kg) brought home bronze.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, congratulated the athletes, citing sustained support from wise leadership as a key factor in their continental success.

“This encouraging start reflects the hard work of our technical and administrative teams, as well as the players’ dedication and discipline,” he said. “It’s a fantastic first step toward our goal of topping the overall rankings. Today’s achievement boosts our confidence in the team and emphasizes our athletes’ commitment to proudly represent the UAE.”

He also said that Mubadala Investment Company’s long-term strategic partnership, in place since 2023, had been instrumental in enhancing the team’s preparation and performance at major continental and international tournaments.

Head Coach Helder Medeiros was pleased with the results, citing the high quality of play and progress made by several Asian nations. He highlighted the team’s continued analysis and preparation for the upcoming women’s and under-21 competitions.

Gold medalist Theyab Al-Nuaimi regarded his triumph as a proud moment for both himself and his teammates, recognizing weeks of intense training and discipline. He also praised his coach and the federation for their support.


Galeno returns to Al-Ahli squad ahead of season finale

Updated 25 May 2025
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Galeno returns to Al-Ahli squad ahead of season finale

  • Key player available for selection in Monday’s crucial clash against Al-Riyad
  • Forward had been out of action since injury in Elite AFC Champions League final

Brazilian winger Wanderson Galeno has rejoined Al-Ahli’s first team after a three-week absence due to injury, the club confirmed on Saturday.

Al-Ahli announced via its official X platform account that Galeno has returned to full training, making him available for selection in Monday’s crucial clash against Al-Riyadh — the 34th and final round of the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League).

Galeno had been out since sustaining a thigh muscle injury during the Elite AFC Champions League final against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on May 3. He scored in that match, helping Al-Ahli to secure a 2–0 victory and lift the continental title.

Since his arrival from Brazil in January, Galeno has made a strong impact with 18 appearances, netting seven goals and providing five assists for the Jeddah-based side.


Real Madrid ‘legend’ Alonso returns as new coach

Updated 25 May 2025
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Real Madrid ‘legend’ Alonso returns as new coach

MADRID: Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach on Sunday, with the Spaniard to take over from June 1 and lead the team at the Club World Cup.
“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028,” said Real Madrid in a statement.
With veteran Italian coach Ancelotti taking the reins of the Brazilian national team, Madrid secured a deal with former midfielder Alonso, whom they have been linked with for months.
Alonso, 43, leaves German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season after finishing second.
“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” continued Los Blancos’ statement.
“He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six trophies.”
Alonso will be officially presented on Monday at 1030 GMT.
The Spaniard coached Leverkusen to a league and German Cup double in the 2023-2024 campaign, with his team unbeaten in the top flight, making him a target for Europe’s top clubs.
Basque coach Alonso had an agreement with Leverkusen to allow him to depart if one of his former sides, including Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wanted to hire him.
Ancelotti’s Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, winning the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup but suffering Champions League quarter-final elimination by Arsenal.
Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals and then reclaimed the Liga throne from their arch-rivals, meaning they failed to win a major trophy.
Alonso will replace one of the most successful managers in Madrid’s history, despite their struggles this season.
Ancelotti, 65, took Los Blancos to 15 trophies during two spells at the club, spanning six years.
The Italian won three Champions League trophies at the club, including La Decima — Madrid’s 10th — in 2014, with Alonso as part of his squad, although he was suspended for the final.
Alonso was also coached by Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque among others and is considered tactically adroit and an excellent organizer, which could be ideal for a Madrid side that has lacked balance.
The midfielder won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain as he helped La Roja dominate the international game.
After retiring from playing in 2017 he coached Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at youth level before being appointed by Bayer Leverkusen in 2022.
Real Madrid have already signed defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer and Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow, with his contract coming to an end at Anfield.
Madrid are trying to bring in the England international before the Club World Cup this summer, which will be Alonso’s first chance to win silverware.
Real Madrid face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18 in their opening match at FIFA’s lucrative summer tournament, which will be the first look at Alonso’s side.


First batch of Bangladeshi players arrives in Pakistan to play three-match T20 series

Updated 25 May 2025
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First batch of Bangladeshi players arrives in Pakistan to play three-match T20 series

  • The series will be held in Lahore, with the first T20 scheduled for May 28
  • Both squads will train at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, the PCB says

ISLAMABAD: A group of Bangladeshi players arrived in Pakistan on Sunday to play three Twenty20 internationals (T20Is) against the ‘Men in Green,’ the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be held in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, with the first match scheduled for May 28.

The first group of Bangladesh contingent arrived in Pakistan in wee hours of Sunday and two more groups will arrive on Monday, according to the PCB.

Members of Pakistan’s squad will assemble in Lahore on Sunday, while players participating in Sunday’s final of the Pakistan Super League will join on Monday.

“Both teams will train at 7:30pm at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore,” the PCB said in a statement.

Bangladesh were initially scheduled to play five T20Is, but the tour was put in jeopardy following a cross-border conflict between Pakistan and India this month.

Both neighbors clashed for four days before agreeing to a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement on May 10.

Pakistan was also forced to reschedule its Twenty20 league — the Pakistan Super League (PSL) — after a ten-day break.

The Indian Premier League — the world’s richest cricket tournament — was also interrupted.


Saad bin Munawar becomes first Pakistani to summit Mt Everest from northern side

Updated 25 May 2025
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Saad bin Munawar becomes first Pakistani to summit Mt Everest from northern side

  • Munawwar was part of a team of nine climbers who summitted the world's tallest peak as part of an expedition organized by Imagine Nepal
  • The route to Everest peak from the northern face starts in Tibet, which is different from the Nepalese route that most mountaineers take

ISLAMABAD: In a remarkable feat, Saad bin Munawar has become the first Pakistani to summit the world’s tallest mountain, 8,848-meter Mount Everest, from its northern face, his expedition organizer said on Saturday.

Munawwar was part of a team of nine climbers who summitted the world’s tallest peak as part of the Everest North Expedition organized by Imagine Nepal.

The route to Everest peak from the northern face starts in Tibet, which is different from the Nepalese side route that most mountaineers take to ascend the peak.

“Saad has become the only Pakistani climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest from the north side,” his expedition organizer said on Facebook.

“The other climbers include Justin Moore Walker, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Ang Mingma Sherpa, Sonam Tashi Sherpa, Ngima Dorjee Sherpa, Lakpa Tenzing Sherpa, Dawa Kami Sherpa, and Thupten Topchen Sherpa.”

A renowned adventurer, mountaineer and author, Munawwar has long been a source of inspiration in Pakistan’s adventure community. Before this Everest ascent, he was the first Pakistani to summit 6,961-meter Mt.

Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia, according to Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), which arranges various expeditions in Munawwar’s home country.

“This remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph for Saad but a proud milestone for Pakistan’s mountaineering community,” it said in a statement.

“His leadership in expeditions and mountaineering literature continues to motivate a new generation of climbers.”

Earlier this week, Pakistani woman mountaineer Naila Kiani scaled 8,586-meter Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, to become the first Pakistani woman to scale 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above the height of 8,000 meters.

Kiani now stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders, Imagine Nepal, which also organized Kiani’s expedition, said after Friday’s summit.