From badminton to football, this week has been a major milestone for Saudi female athletes as they hit new goals both domestically and abroad. From November 13, for instance, Saudi Arabia had the honor to feature its female team members at the Arab Badminton Cup in Bahrain where fellow teammates, Haya Al-Mudra and Rana Abu Harbash, beat the UAE in a doubles match by 2-0. This victory earned them a spot at the semifinals.
In fact, the Arab Badminton Cup marked the first time the pair had ever competed outside the Kingdom. When speaking to the press, Haya expressed her happiness and gratitude for the chance to play at the Arab Badminton Cup, and gave her thanks to the Saudi Badminton Federation.
Meet Haya Al-Mudra and Rana Abu Harbash, the members of the Saudi women’s badminton team who qualified for the semifinals of the doubles tournament at the Arab Badminton Cup pic.twitter.com/OkkaDyE7OB
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) November 16, 2021
Of course, badminton is just one of several sporting outlets currently being pushed by the Kingdom, which falls in line with its Vision 2030 program to get more women involved in sports. This also includes encouraging the private sector to create more sporting facilities and programs across Saudi Arabia.
In fact, another milestone being made this week is the recent launch of the ever first Women's Football League, which is scheduled for November 22. The league will be held in two phases across three Saudi cities, and will feature a total of 16 teams. It is currently part of the plan by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to establish a special department for women's football.
هيا ورنا تحصدان برونزية البطولة العربية للريشة الطائرة
— مجلة سيدتي (@sayidatynet) November 16, 2021
للمزيد: https://t.co/WFtJY0HbpY@badminton_ksa@saudiolympic pic.twitter.com/7CXHsZcDiH
"Today we live in this moment, which has been achieved by the grace of God and then the unlimited support of our wise leadership for all sectors, particularly in the football sector," the President of the Board of Directors of SAFF, Yasser Al Misehal, said in a quote by Saudi Gazette.
