How reforms have allowed Saudi women to excel in professional and recreational sports

JEDDAH: Recent reforms targeting the inclusion of women in sports in Saudi Arabia are paying dividends. For the first time in history, young Saudi females are participating in football, taekwondo, boxing, motor car racing, tennis, fencing, golf, and more.

Since 2015, small yet significant steps have been made, with Saudi women making international appearances thanks to the establishment of several sports federations. Female national teams have been set up, and Saudi women are now free to practice sports with support from the Saudi leadership.

As a result, women across the Kingdom have been stepping up to the challenge and representing their country in regional and international tournaments.

With the support of Saudi Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program, there has been a 59 percent increase in the number of athletes participating in local competitions has increased by 59 percent since 2015.

There has also been a 166-percent increase in the number of women competing in international competition, a 117-percent increase in the number of coaches, and a 150-percent increase in the number of female athletes.

In the same period, the number of official female national teams representing the Kingdom went from zero to 23. Saudi sportswomen have notched up around 100 medals in regional and international events.

Meanwhile, 12 Saudi women currently hold prominent international sporting positions and there are 38 Saudi sports federations, ensuring inclusive progress throughout the sector.

The progress hasn’t been limited to team sports. There have been several individuals who blazing a trail in their respective fields.

Arab News has compiled a list of a few pioneering female athletes from across the Kingdom who are paving the