RIYADH
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh on Sunday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the IOC, with discussions centered on strategies to enhance the development of the Olympic Games both locally and globally, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Crown Prince highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting sports as a vital part of the nation’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to diversify the economy and encourage greater public participation in sports activities. The IOC president expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global sports scene and its efforts to host international sporting events.
Several key figures accompanied the Crown Prince during the meeting, emphasizing the Kingdom’s serious approach toward sports development. These included Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Minister of Sports, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Abdulaziz Baeshen, CEO and Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
The discussions also explored ways to enhance sports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and boost the country’s participation in international competitions. The leaders examined future plans for both traditional and digital sports events, fostering innovation in the sporting sector.
The meeting further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports community. In July, the Kingdom and the IOC signed a landmark 12-year partnership to host the new Esports Olympics, a key initiative aimed at engaging youth and embracing emerging trends in sports. This collaboration will kick off with the first Esports Olympics in 2025, set to be held in Riyadh.
The agreement demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a major hub for digital sports and technological innovation, reflecting the broader national ambition to establish itself as a leader in various fields, including sports, technology, and entertainment.
By hosting the Esports Olympics and other global events, Saudi Arabia aims to promote cultural exchange, inspire its youth, and attract international investment, further strengthening its position on the world sports map.
