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RIYADH: By the time the second and final day of the New Global Sport Conference 2025 ended in Riyadh, the city had truly come alive.

Leaders, influencers, creators and gamers all shared one clear message: ����ֱ�� is not just hosting the conversation on the future of gaming and esports — it is shaping it. With electric energy buzzing through every corridor, the closing day felt less like an ending and more like a launchpad for what is to come.

As Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC, told Arab News: “����ֱ�� is the only country in the world that has an esports strategy as part of Vision 2030.” Speaking during one of the sessions, he added: “Esports will open the Kingdom’s arms to the world … I leave here blown away by what this country can do.”

Among the many standout discussions was “Content for the Next Generation: Revolutionizing Platforms, Formats, and Fan Engagement,” where Toshimoto Mitomo, chief strategy officer at Sony, spotlighted the impact of the MENA Hero Project — a program that has already drawn more than 200 applications from local developers and is now helping five projects prepare for commercial launch.

“Our role is to incubate creators so their games can reach global markets,” Mitomo said. “We’re enabling a vibrant ecosystem powered by local ingenuity and global ambition.”

The final session of the day — and of the conference —had attendees packing the room: “Blurring the Lines Between Games and Cinema.” Hosted by Rolling Stone’s senior gaming editor Christopher Cruz, the panel featured legendary game creator Hideo Kojima and acclaimed filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. Together, they explored the merging worlds of interactive entertainment and cinema, touching on advancements such as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, and online connectivity that are redefining how stories are told.

Kojima, reflecting on ����ֱ��’s bold investments in gaming, praised the Kingdom’s forward-thinking approach: “The country I look at and they’re kind of creating something for the future. I feel so envious of this country. Everyone’s looking at this future … You have everything you need to create something new — art, movies, games. Let’s create the future together. And I want to play that, and I want to see that.”

Throughout the day, a range of sessions highlighted the global momentum of gaming and esports. Panels such as “Power Moves: Next-Gen Dealmakers in Gaming & Esports Investments” and “Content for the Next Generation” explored how innovation, technology, and investment are rapidly expanding opportunities — not just for players and developers, but for entire communities.

When the final applause echoed through the venue, it was clear that NGSC 2025 had achieved more than just two days of dialogue. It had galvanized a movement. Attendees left with notebooks filled with ideas, pockets full of LinkedIn connections, and a sense of shared purpose.

In just two days, Riyadh had established itself as more than a meeting ground; it had become the nerve center of a global industry in motion. NGSC 2025 did not simply end — it launched a new chapter, proving that ����ֱ�� is no longer just part of the game. It is helping to define its future.

NEW DELHI: Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara dropped curtains on his illustrious India career on Sunday after playing 103 tests but failing to win back his place in the last two years.

The 37-year-old, who made his test debut in 2010, last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final but has been active in domestic cricket as well as county cricket in England.

“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field — it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant,” Pujara wrote on his social media pages.

“But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.

“Thank you for all the love and support!“

He joins former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the same generation to quit test cricket within the past year.

Pujara scored 7,195 runs, including 19 hundreds, from 103 tests, averaging 43.60.

Pujara also played five one-day internationals but his solid defense and a remarkable ability to play marathon knocks made him an asset in test cricket.

He demonstrated those skills most notably in 2018-19 when India registered their maiden test series victory in Australia with player-of-the-series Pujara amassing 521 runs in seven innings.

Pujara batted a combined 11 hours in the opening test in Adelaide scoring 123 and 71 as India won the series opener.

Former India captain Anil Kumble led tributes to Pujara.

“Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1,” Kumble, who also coached an Indian side featuring Pujara, wrote on X.

“We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine in your second innings.”