China dominates table tennis doubles at Saudi Smash

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Karting Circuit successfully concluded its “Karting Experience” event on Tuesday with the participation of over 100 children from the Al-Bir Charity Organization, the Children with Disability Association, and foster and social welfare families.

The initiative is a part of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 social impact community programs, in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Co.

It is designed to inspire and educate children from Jeddah’s charity and welfare organizations by introducing them to karting while enhancing their enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorsports.

The event was held across several days in March and was attended by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Co. and Jaman Al-Zahrani, assistant director-general for development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Makkah Region.

Also in attendance was Maha Al-Buqami, director of the Social Responsibility Department at the ministry in Makkah.

With a range of activities designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of the sport, the youth were able get behind the wheel and drive the karts and learn about key safety measures.

Al-Mokbel stated: “This initiative allows youth to discover the joy of karting while learning essential skills that could pave the way for new opportunities in their future.”

“We will continue to support initiatives that encourage young people to engage in sports, discover their talents, and contribute to the development of a vibrant and thriving sporting community.

“By introducing young people to motorsport, we are not only fostering their passion but also opening doors for them to become future champions who will represent the Kingdom with pride on the global stage,” he added.

Al-Zahrani stated: “This event truly reflects our commitment to providing children from charitable and social associations with opportunities to participate in exceptional sports, helping them develop key athletic skills while instilling values of resilience, perseverance, and creativity.”

Preparations are currently underway for the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, the fifth round of the Formula 1 World Championship, set to be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 18 to 20.

SAVAR: Former Bangladesh men’s cricket captain Tamim Iqbal is in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest during a Twenty20 match on Monday.
The 36-year-old Tamim reportedly complained of chest pains while fielding as he was leading the Mohammedan team against Shinepukur in Savar in the Dhaka Premier Division.
ESPN said his condition rapidly worsened and the Mohammedan team physio performed CPR. Tamim was rushed to KPJ Hospital where he underwent emergency treatment.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement that an “angiogram procedure to address a blockage in one of the arteries of his heart” was successful, adding that Tamim remained under close observation in a coronary care unit.
He was visited in hospital by Mohammedan teammates Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Tamim is the only Bangladesh batter to score centuries in all three international formats. He’s scored more than 5,000 test runs in his 15 years as Bangladesh’s prime opener, including 10 centuries and a top score of 206 against Pakistan in 2015.
Known for scoring heavily through the offside and for his textbook straight drive, he caught the eye with a stylish second-innings 103 against England at Lord’s in 2010 when Bangladesh was following on, and a gritty 108 in Bangladesh’s modest total of 216 in the next test in Manchester. Tamim’s astute reading of situations meant he could also bat well while managing tailenders.
He’s amassed more than 8,000 one-day international runs with 14 centuries and a best of 158, and hit one T20 hundred.
In late 2023, Tamim opted out of the ODI World Cup after a dispute with a BCB member.