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JEDDAH: ����ֱ��’s rowing team returned from the 2025 Asian Coastal (Beach Sprint) Rowing Championships with a haul of four medals, marking one of the Kingdom’s strongest international performances to date.

The championships, staged earlier this month on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, Thailand, brought together elite competitors from 13 nations, including rowing powerhouses China, Japan, Korea, the UAE and Kuwait.

Despite the stiff competition, the Saudi contingent delivered a performance that underlined the growing strength of the sport in the Kingdom.

Among the highlights was a silver medal for rising talent Mofleh Al-Khalidi, who produced a superb display in the Junior Men’s Singles event.

Al-Khalidi also partnered with Abdullah Al-Mami in the Junior Men’s Doubles, where the duo battled through the heats to claim bronze.

In the senior categories, Moayad Al-Rashidi secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles, while the mixed pairing of Haya Al-Mami and Turki Al-Aref added further success with a bronze in the Mixed Doubles.

The Saudi team, which included athletes Abdullah Al-Hay, Radaan Al-Dossari and Al-Jazi Al-Ibrahim, was guided by a technical and administrative coaching staff led by head coach Matthew Tarrant, alongside Fernando Ferraz and Humood Al-Shammari.

Saudi Rowing Federation Vice President Sherine Abu Al-Hassan and Executive Director Yousef Jleidan provided support throughout the competition, with officials noting the impact of their presence in lifting the squad’s morale.

In a statement, the federation hailed the results as a milestone, describing it as evidence of the sport’s rapid development across the Kingdom.

The federation said that it would continue working to nurture a new generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest continental and international levels.

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac is optimistic as the 2025-26 preseason begins, after a summer spent carefully building a 16-man roster that will compete in both the EuroLeague and ABA League.

“We’ve worked on this team since the beginning of the year, and we’re extremely happy with the players we brought,” Golemac said. “It was important to sign guys who can quickly become a team. It will be challenging, but we added hungry players with strong character, and I’m very optimistic about the season ahead.”

For the Slovenian coach, competing in two major competitions is both a privilege and a challenge. “You prepare, you compete, you analyze — that part doesn’t change,” he said. “But with this travel and schedule, nobody has done it before. We are pioneers. It won’t be easy, but we won’t complain about how tough it is. Instead, we’ll enjoy the work and stay focused.”

One of the most difficult aspects is starting the preseason without eight players who are currently away competing with their national teams for EuroBasket or the AmeriCup. Golemac acknowledged the challenge but also pointed to the quality it reflects.

“As staff, of course we’d prefer to have the full group from day one. But having so many internationals shows the level of our roster. We’ll welcome the first arrivals, make them feel at home, and integrate each national team player as soon as they return.”

The coach also addressed the demanding schedule ahead — from 40 games last season to potentially 80 this year if Dubai reaches the playoffs and finals. “The biggest challenge is how to manage traveling, practices, and recoveries. With 20 EuroLeague teams, finding time to practice and analyze will be key.”

Finally, Golemac turned to the supporters: “Our mission is to fight like there’s no tomorrow. Fans can expect us to be physical, to compete for the city, the club, and for them. Like last year, we want them to be our sixth player. With their energy, I know it will be even tougher for any team to beat us at home.”