SANYA: Saudi Arabia is looking to strengthen sports cooperation with China and enhance its presence in the global sporting arena, said Abdulaziz Baeshen, CEO and secretary general of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Speaking during the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, Baeshen commended China’s organization of the event and its strong track record in hosting major international competitions.
“China has a well-established reputation for delivering major sporting events with a high level of organization and attention to detail, and this is clearly reflected in the Games so far,” he said.
Baeshen also praised the host city, describing Sanya as both lively and naturally scenic, with qualities well-suited for beach and coastal sports.
He welcomed China’s visa-free policy for Saudi citizens, calling it a step that will boost bilateral exchanges. “It makes engagement simpler and creates greater opportunities for closer interaction, particularly within the sports sector,” he said, noting that it will support exchanges among athletes, coaches, and officials, as well as joint training and competitions.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a regional sports hub and is preparing to host major tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
“For us, sport goes beyond competition. It contributes to community engagement and international connectivity,” he said.
Baeshen highlighted that around 60 percent of Saudi adults now participate in regular physical activity, with youth engagement continuing to grow, supported by expanding infrastructure and athlete development programs.
“Preparations for the Asian Cup and World Cup are progressing well and remain a national priority,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia looks forward to hosting Chinese athletes, teams, and fans.
He emphasized that cooperation between the two countries holds strong potential in areas such as sports science, youth development, training, and event management.
“China’s achievements in sport are both impressive and deeply respected. There is a clear sense of consistency and vision in China’s approach to sport, from infrastructure to athlete development and event organization,” he said.
“Our aim is to create meaningful opportunities for athletes and young people in both countries, building a partnership that reflects shared ambition and strong bilateral ties,” he added.
Looking ahead, Baeshen said Saudi Arabia is open to hosting more global sporting events, including beach sports competitions.
“We will continue to assess opportunities to host major international competitions that align with our long-term vision, with the objective of strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a reliable and valued partner in the global sporting landscape,” he said.
He added that with coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the country has strong potential for beach sports and may consider hosting events such as the Asian Beach Games in the future.
