In a move reflecting the growing interest in establishing a solid athletic foundation in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Athletics Federation, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Sports branch in the Al-Baha region, organized the fourth qualifying athletics meet dedicated to the junior and youth categories. King Saud Sports City in Al-Baha hosted this important sporting event, which saw the participation of 55 promising athletes competing in an enthusiastic atmosphere across 23 diverse events.
The two-day event featured high-level technical organization and included a wide range of track and field competitions. The competitions covered various running distances, from short to medium to long, providing an opportunity to test the participants' endurance and speed. Simultaneously, jumping and throwing events, demanding precise technical skills and physical strength, were held. All competitions were conducted according to the approved schedule and international technical standards, which the federation is committed to implementing to ensure fair competition and the safety of the athletes.
This event is particularly significant as it comes within the context of the major sporting movement underway in the Kingdom, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which places great emphasis on promoting sports participation and discovering talent from a young age. The youth and junior categories are the cornerstone of any sustainable sporting development, and the Saudi Athletics Federation, through these regional gatherings, aims to conduct a comprehensive talent survey across the Kingdom, not just in major cities. This ensures equal opportunities and access to technical support for every deserving talent.
These qualifying tournaments play a pivotal role in shaping the character of young players, providing them with experience in official competitions, familiarizing them with the atmosphere of tournaments, and instilling in them a commitment to sporting rules and regulations. They also represent a golden opportunity for coaches and technical scouts to identify promising talents who can later be recruited to regional training centers and national teams, thus preparing them for future continental and international competitions.
The success of this gathering is a result of the fruitful integration and cooperation between the Saudi Arabian Athletics Federation and the Ministry of Sports branch in the Al-Baha region, within the framework of a comprehensive strategy aimed at raising the technical level of athletes and expanding the base of practitioners of athletics. It is expected that the outcomes of this gathering will contribute to providing clubs and national teams with new talents capable of representing the Kingdom in upcoming sporting events, thereby strengthening the spirit of fair competition and the noble values of sports among the younger generation.
