The Saudi Arabian team continues its intensive and high-quality preparations in Italy, gearing up for the official competitions at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This training camp is part of a comprehensive preparatory and technical program meticulously designed to ensure the athletes reach peak physical and mental readiness just days before the opening whistle of the highly anticipated, globally-seen competitions.

Quality preparations for Rakan Reda and Fayeq Abedi

As part of his training program, Saudi national cross-country skier Rakan Ali Reza is undergoing an intensive series of training sessions focused on enhancing endurance and improving physical fitness for long-distance runs. His schedule includes carefully planned recovery sessions to ensure a swift return to full fitness, all in preparation for his upcoming participation in the cross-country skiing competition scheduled for February 13th. He aims to deliver a performance that reflects the progress of Saudi sports.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian alpine skiing star Faiq Abdi continues his daily training on official competition trails. His preparation program includes rigorous technical drills to improve balance and speed, a comprehensive assessment of his equipment, and necessary recovery sessions. Abdi is gearing up for the alpine skiing competitions scheduled for February 14 and 16, with high hopes of achieving new personal bests.

Strengthening the Saudi presence in winter sports

This participation holds significant strategic importance, building upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historic first appearance at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The continued Saudi presence at this global event underscores the commitment of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee to enhancing the Kingdom's participation in various sports, including winter sports, reflecting the remarkable progress witnessed in the sports sector under the unwavering support of the wise leadership.

Towards Trogina 2029 and Vision 2030

The importance of participating in “Milan-Cortina 2026” is not limited to the immediate competition, but represents a fundamental step in the long-term preparations for the Kingdom to host the Asian Winter Games in “Trogina” in Neom in 2029. These participations are an ideal opportunity to gain the necessary technical and administrative experience, and to build a base of professional athletes capable of representing the Kingdom in the best possible way in the upcoming events, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in enhancing quality of life and sports excellence.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima of Japan officially secured their qualification to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League for the 2025-2026 season, after achieving a valuable and exciting 2-1 victory over their Malaysian guests, Johor Darul Ta’zim, in the match that brought them together on Tuesday at Hiroshima City Stadium as part of the seventh round of the East Zone League.

Match details and turning point

The match saw a blistering start for the home side, as the visitors surprised Hiroshima with a very early goal from Marcus Guilherme in the third minute, putting the Japanese team under immediate pressure. However, the turning point came in the 16th minute when the referee showed a red card to Johor defender Jonathan Silva, forcing the Malaysian team to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima took full advantage of their opponent's numerical disadvantage, with star player Akito Suzuki quickly leveling the score in the 18th minute via a penalty kick. The same player then returned to decide the match by scoring the second goal at the beginning of the second half, specifically in the 47th minute, giving his team the three points and a ticket to the next round.

The two teams' journey in the tournament

Hiroshima's path was not easy, as the team had a journey of fluctuating results, but it was enough to qualify. They started their campaign with a win over Melbourne City (2-0), a draw with Shanghai Port (1-1), and a loss to Ulsan (0-1), before regaining their balance with a win over Guangwon (1-0), a draw with Chengdu Rongcheng (1-1), and a win over Shanghai Shenhua (1-0).

In contrast, Johor Darul Ta’zim’s calculations became complicated after they started with a loss to Buriram United (1-2), a goalless draw with Machida Zelvia, and despite their resurgence with wins over Chengdu (2-0) and Shanghai Shenhua (3-1), they stumbled again with a loss to Melbourne City (0-2) and a draw with Shanghai Port (0-0), before today’s loss.

The tournament system and the road to Saudi Arabia

This edition of the AFC Champions League is particularly significant due to its new league-stage format, where each team plays eight matches. The top eight clubs from each zone (East and West) will advance to the Round of 16, scheduled for March 2026. All eyes will be on Saudi Arabia, which will host the final stages (quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final) in a centralized format in April 2026, adding significant incentive for the qualified clubs to compete for the continental title in its new format.

Decisive matches in the final round

Asian fans eagerly await the decisive eighth and final round on February 17th and 18th, where Sanfrecce Hiroshima will visit Seoul FC in South Korea, while Johor Darul Ta'zim will host Vissel Kobe in a last-ditch effort to improve their position. The round also features other notable matches, including Buriram United vs. Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port vs. Ulsan Hyundai.

The eyes of motorsport enthusiasts around the world are turning to Saudi Arabia, as the Jeddah Corniche Circuit prepares to host the Formula 1 Saudi Grand Prix this April. This year's race is particularly special, as fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new world champion, British driver Lando Norris, who will be making his debut in the Red Sea city, a leading figure in the global sporting scene and embodying a new generation of drivers who have redefined the relationship between sports stars and their fans.

A Champion's Journey: From Bristol to the Top of the World

Lando Norris, born in Bristol, England in 1999, didn't reach the pinnacle of motorsport by chance. His exceptional talent emerged early in karting before he dominated single-seater championships, winning the Formula Renault European and Formula 3 titles, and delivering impressive performances in Formula 2. Since joining McLaren in 2019 at the age of 19, Norris has demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, combining blistering speed with tactical intelligence in tire and race management, paving the way to his world championship title.

A leadership style that combines giants

Analyzing Norris's driving style, experts find he occupies a unique middle ground among the sport's legends. He possesses the aggressive flair and directness characteristic of former world champion Max Verstappen, while simultaneously enjoying the comprehensive vision and strategic awareness that have always distinguished the legendary Lewis Hamilton. This rare combination makes him a formidable opponent and a competitor on high-speed circuits like Jeddah, which demand extreme precision and immense courage.

Cultural and social impact

Norris's influence extends far beyond the track; he has successfully attracted a wide segment of young fans thanks to his active presence on social media and in the world of esports. He is also credited with his courage in breaking traditional taboos in the world of Formula 1, through his open discussion of mental health and stress, forging a deep human connection with his followers. For the digitally savvy Saudi audience, Norris represents a modern sporting icon that aligns with the Kingdom's aspirations and its growing status as a global destination for sports and entertainment.

Season 2026: A technological revolution and radical changes

This year's Jeddah Grand Prix takes on added significance as it comes amidst the radical changes planned for the 2026 season, a turning point in the championship's history. The circuit will see the debut of next-generation cars designed to increase competitiveness and performance parity, and the starting grid will expand to include 11 teams with the addition of Cadillac and the anticipated arrival of Audi. Norris will defend his title against fierce competition from Max Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, promising a thrilling and closely contested spectacle.

A world-class entertainment experience in Jeddah

As is customary for the Saudi Grand Prix, the excitement isn't limited to the race itself, but extends to a comprehensive entertainment experience. The participation of global music icons Shakira and Pitbull has been confirmed for the accompanying concerts, further solidifying the event's position as a world-class tourist and entertainment destination and underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for fans from around the globe.