In a new sporting achievement that confirms its dominance in water sports in Saudi Arabia, Al-Qadisiyah Water Polo Club's first team won first place and the gold medals in the fifth edition of the Open Beach Water Polo Championship. The exciting tournament concluded in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, where Al-Qadisiyah successfully retained the title for the second consecutive season, marking the club's third championship in the competition's history.
A golden career and exceptional performance
Al-Qadisiyah's path to gold was not merely easy; it was paved with resounding victories that reflected the significant technical gap between them and their rivals. The team displayed high-level performances throughout the tournament, achieving a perfect record by winning all their matches without a single setback. They began their campaign with a 9-5 victory over their traditional rivals, Al-Ittihad, followed by an 11-9 win against Al-Safa, and then a dominant 12-0 victory over Jeddah.
In the final scene of the tournament, Al-Qadisiyah renewed its superiority and confirmed its leadership with a resounding victory in the final match against its counterpart Al-Ittihad with a score of 14-9, thus securing the title deservedly and rightfully, amid great praise from followers and sports critics for the advanced level that the team has reached.
Al-Dughaither... the best leader
On an individual level, the tournament witnessed a remarkable performance from Al-Qadisiyah's captain, international star Bader Al-Dughaither, who played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Al-Dughaither deservedly received the Best Player award, adding another individual achievement to the team's collective accomplishments.
In a press statement following the victory, Al-Dughaither expressed his immense joy, emphasizing that this gold medal was the fruit of tireless teamwork, tactical commitment, and discipline from all members of the squad. He noted that retaining the title for the second consecutive season reflects the team's high fighting spirit and the significant support it receives from the technical and administrative staff and the club's management.
The context of the championship and the development of water sports
This championship holds special significance on the Saudi sports calendar, coming at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented sporting activity as part of its Vision 2030 goals, which place great emphasis on diversifying sports and promoting beach tourism. Hosting such championships in Jeddah further strengthens its position as a leading destination for marine sports in the region.
Al-Qadisiyah's third title win reflects the depth of the club's strategic planning across various sports. The Eastern Province club has become a formidable force in Saudi water polo, strongly competing with the Western Province clubs that have long dominated the sport. This intense competition benefits the Saudi national teams, enhancing the players' readiness for upcoming regional and international competitions.
Al-Dughaither concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Al-Qadisiyah’s ambitions do not stop there, stressing that the team will continue to work hard to maintain its gains and strive to achieve more local and international titles in the near future.
