Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Saudi Arabia hosts inaugural desert polo tournament
Winners of Al Ula Desert Polo _ Saudi Arabia's first desert polo tournament _ pose with organizers at Al Ula, Jan. 18. / Center for International Communication
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
Saudi Arabia hosted its first desert polo tournament this month, in what is seen as a part of its multi-billion dollar push to improve its global image by hosting sporting events.
The Center for International Communication, which operates under the wing of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Media, said last week the Al Ula Desert Polo tournament took place at the UNESCO heritage site of Al Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The tournament was organized by the Royal Commission for Al Ula and the Saudi Polo Federation that was recently formed.
The event was a part of the Winter at Tantora festival, a series of cultural and sporting activities held in Al Ula from Dec. 19, 2019 to March 7.
The tournament at Desert Polo Arena attracted major teams from around the world, such as La Dolfina of Argentina.
Led by Argentine Nacho Figueras, Team Amaala won the trophy after Figueras scored all his side's goals for a 7-3 victory over host team Alula, Jan. 18.
Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who serves as the chairman of the General Sports Authority, crowned Team Amaala the victors.
“It's an amazing place with an amazing history, an amazing heritage and an amazing first tournament for the Saudi Polo Federation,” Figueras said. “I'm very honored to be here and I'm delighted that we were able to win. This country is going through a transformation and there are amazing years to come.”
Saudi Polo Federation Chairman Amr F. Zedan, who played on Team Richard Mille at the tournament, said, “I see this event as a launching pad for the future.”
“We have big plans for polo in Saudi Arabia that include the establishment of development programs and the construction of facilities to assist in building a polo infrastructure in the kingdom.
“We would like to thank all of our guests and players and crucially sponsors for their support here this weekend. It means a lot that our friends from the international polo community are completely on board with what we are trying to achieve,” he added.
The kingdom has been spending dollars to host sporting events in a bid to shift away from oil-dependent economy, consolidate its supremacy in the Arab world and to project a moderate image of a country long seen as an exporter of jihadist ideology.
In 2019, it hosted several events including a heavyweight boxing rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz, a Formula E motor race and tennis exhibition tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Juventus teammates took to the pitch at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh for the Italian Super Cup final, too.
Women's wrestling made its debut as well in the country where women's roles have been strictly limited.
Dubbed as the toughest physical and mental motorsport challenge, the Dakar Rally took place in Saudi Arabia for the first time from Jan. 5 to 17.