Al-Kwaikibi to Asharq Al-Awsat: Representing “Al-Akhdar” is an honor

Player Mohammed Al-Kwaikbi expressed his happiness at returning to the “Green” ranks, stressing that representing the national team is an honor for every player, and that he and his teammates look forward to achieving victory in the two friendly matches against South Korea and Uzbekistan, within the Doha preparatory camp.

Al-Kwaikbi said, in an exclusive interview, to Asharq Al-Awsat: “Praise be to God, representing the Saudi national team is an honor for every player, as is returning to its ranks and wearing its logo. Our preparations for the two matches are going well, and they are important confrontations, and we look forward to achieving victory in them.”

Regarding the importance of the two matches in the international classification of the Saudi team, Al-Kuwaikibi explained: “Certainly, the two matches are included in the international classification calculations, and therefore they are important to us, and we will deal with each match separately.”

Regarding the instructions of the Greek coach Denis, he said: “The coach explained to us what is required in the next match, and we are working to implement his instructions, and we hope that we will succeed in achieving victory.”

Car racing fans are anticipating the launch of the Jeddah Toyota Baja Rally competitions on Saturday, amid a large participation of the stars of this sport, and in light of distinguished organizational preparations, at a time when the statements of officials and racers carried messages of praise for the Saudi hosting, and an emphasis on the importance of the event in enhancing the Kingdom’s presence on the map of international rally sports.

Suhaib Al-Saadi, Director of the Toyota Jeddah Baja Rally, confirmed his welcome to all participants, extending his thanks to the Emirate of Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region for the efforts made in preparing the necessary requirements for holding the race, and expressing his wishes to all drivers for success and for engaging in safe and enjoyable competitions.

For his part, Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah described the Jeddah Rally as an important stop for Gulf and local racers, pointing out the importance of continuing to hold sporting events in the Kingdom, and stressing that participation carries a message to the world about Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue organizing sporting events despite the various circumstances.

Al-Attiyah said that the racers are looking forward to the return of the Dakar Rally to the Kingdom, adding: “We are stronger than any circumstance by coming together, and the spirit of competition has always been high.”

In turn, Yazid Al-Rajhi praised the organization and efforts made by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and the Emirate of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region, stressing that holding the rally represents a message that reflects the security and stability that the Kingdom is experiencing, expecting the competitions to witness a high level of competitiveness among the participants.

Contestant Maha Al-Hamli expressed her enthusiasm for competing, noting that the atmosphere accompanying the event is special in light of the wide international participation, stressing that being crowned first place in a previous edition of the Jeddah Rally represents an additional motivation for her to provide a distinguished level in the current race.

In the same context, racer Mohammed Al Balushi praised the efforts of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation in holding the championship, pointing to the successes achieved by the Saudi championships at the regional level, and revealed his preference for participating in the Jeddah Rally over competing in the World Cup competitions in Portugal, in a step that reflects the importance of the event and its attractiveness for the racers.

All eyes are on the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Square in Janadriyah, Friday and Saturday. The elite horses compete for the titles of the Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabir Cup, the “Al-Wafa Cup” (the second category locally), and the Horse Racing Club Cup (Listed), within the competitions of the fifth week of the “Riyadh Racing Season”, which witnesses the holding of 24 races, with 12 races in each evening, with total financial prizes exceeding two million riyals.

The field will host the twenty-ninth and thirtieth celebrations on November 13 and 14, 2026, amid anticipation of strong confrontations, led by the Prince Mohammed bin Saud Grand Cup race, scheduled to be held on Friday at a distance of 2,000 metres, with a financial prize amounting to 500 thousand riyals, and is allocated to local production horses aged 4 years and above.

The horse “Wanamin”, winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and the Crown Prince Cup for local production, stands out among the most prominent candidates to compete for the title. He is participating with the emblem of the sons of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, in an anticipated confrontation with the two horses “Tahzim” and “Tawi Al-Sahl”, who carry the emblem of Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz.

The list of competitors also includes the horse “Badr Al Samawi”, with the logo of Abdul Ilah Abdul Aziz Al Musa, and “Al Kamandan”, with the logo of the sons of Haif bin Muhammad Aboud Al Qahtani, in a race that is expected to witness strong competition between the participating horses.

On Saturday evening, the competitions will continue with the holding of the Listed Horse Racing Club Cup, designated for purebred Arabian horses, at a distance of 2,000 metres, with a financial prize of 150,000 riyals.

The horse “Mutawakkil Al-Khalidiyah”, with the logo of Al-Khalidiyah Stables, leads the list of candidates to compete for the cup, along with the horse “Al-Ghabra”, which participates in the logo of the stable of the Mubarak Bin Hindi Al-Khalidi Sons Company.