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RIYADH: The end of 2024 will always hold special memories for Yara Al-Amri. In December last year the young boxer made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to win an Asian medal in boxing — a new milestone for the Kingdom’s fast-growing women’s sports scene.

The 21-year-old fighter earned a bronze medal at the Asian Elite Championships in Bangkok, competing in the 52-kilogram category in her first international appearance.

She told Arab News: “It was my first international appearance, which was the toughest part — competing outside my country without my home crowd and coaches.”

The win was historic not only for Al-Amri, but for Saudi sport. “This changed my life, as I wrote history for �������� by winning the first Asian medal in women’s boxing,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have champions, but the sport is still new in our country. Despite starting later than many nations, we quickly reached their level and proved we can compete and succeed.”

Based in Riyadh, Al-Amri trains under Ali Al-Ahmari at Al-Shabab Club. Standing 174 cm tall, the right-handed orthodox fighter has built a record of 27 fights, with 23 wins and four losses, and holds seven Saudi national titles.

Her path into boxing began unexpectedly. “I first started boxing as a fitness exercise, but soon felt I truly belonged in the sport,” she said. “I’ve always loved challenge and competition, and boxing gave me exactly that. In the ring, it’s just me, my mind, and my hands. Boxing completely changed my lifestyle, making me more disciplined and committed.”

Al-Amri describes the sport as a test of focus as much as strength. “You have to be patient, strategic, and intelligent. Every movement matters.”

Outside the ring, Al-Amri is pursuing a university degree, juggling training sessions and academic deadlines.

“As a university student, my days are always a challenge,” she said. “I train twice a day — morning and evening — while balancing my classes, studies, and daily tasks. My schedule is packed, but I make sure to manage both my academic and athletic commitments.”

Her discipline extends beyond boxing. Earlier this year, she completed the Riyadh Half Marathon, describing the 21-kilometer run as “pure challenge and joy.”

After nearly 30 fights, Al-Amri has learned to embrace both victory and loss. “The biggest lesson I learned from a loss is never leaving the result to the judges,” she said. “The fight must be clear — you have to showcase your skills so strongly that there’s no doubt.

“Injuries and defeats also taught me resilience,” she added. “I always say: ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Before a fight, I’ve learned to control nerves and pressure. It’s natural to feel it, but once I step into the ring, everything switches off — I focus only on my opponent.”

Al-Amri credits her success to the support around her. “My family has been my first and strongest supporters, from the beginning until today. Their belief in me gave me strength,” she said.

She also praised the institutions enabling women’s boxing to grow. “I deeply value the support of the Kingdom of �������� — from our wise leadership to the ministry of sports, the Olympic Committee, the Saudi Boxing Federation, clubs, coaches, and the people. This collective support has been a huge force behind my journey.”

That system, she said, has helped turn a once niche pursuit into a recognized sport for Saudi women.

“My goal is to achieve as many titles as possible — national, regional, continental, and international,” Al-Amri said. “With God’s will, these achievements will come.”

She believes the next generation of Saudi women boxers will go even further. “Women’s boxing in �������� has developed tremendously,” she said. “Clubs and coaches are now available across the country, teams are formed, and the determination of Saudi women is stronger than ever. We are capable of competing, representing, and making the sport grow even bigger.”

In only two years, Al-Amri has collected nine gold medals, seven national titles and two bronzes, combining athletic performance with academic success and public recognition.

Her rapid rise mirrors ��������’s broader transformation under Vision 2030, which continues to expand opportunities for women in professional sports, from football and judo to boxing and beyond.

Al-Amri said her journey shows what happens when opportunity meets belief. “Boxing gave me strength and purpose,” she said. “It made me realize that nothing is impossible when you work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself.”

As she continues to train for upcoming championships and sets her sights on future world competitions, Al-Amri’s mission is simple: to raise ��������’s flag on the global stage.

From her first punch in a Riyadh gym to her medal podium in Bangkok, Yara Al-Amri’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and proof that Saudi women are not just entering the ring, they are redefining it.

RIYADH: The DP World International League T20 has joined forces with the ��������n Cricket Federation in a landmark agreement aimed at accelerating the growth of cricket in the Kingdom and Gulf region.

Under the partnership, announced in Dubai on Tuesday, the SACF officially licensed the DP World ILT20 as a recognized Twenty20 league for both men and women. The move paves the way for ILT20 matches to be staged in ��������, while also creating new development pathways for the Kingdom’s cricketers.

The collaboration will see the ILT20 work closely with SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company, to nurture local talent, enhance infrastructure and build stronger engagement with cricket fans in the Kingdom.

Significantly, Saudi players will now have a direct entry point into the competition. Each franchise in the upcoming ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Oct. 1, will have to sign at least one Saudi player.

“We are very proud to announce our partnership with the ��������n Cricket Federation. �������� is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring,” said Khalid Al-Zarooni, chairman of the ILT20.

“This partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders. The DP World ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.”

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, SACF chairman, said the agreement aligned with the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030 to expand sporting opportunities and community engagement.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country and providing our players with opportunities to grow and succeed on an international stage,” he said.

“It also provides a platform for fan engagement and opens further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism.”

David White, ILT20 CEO, described the partnership as a “significant step” in strengthening the game across the region.

“With ��������’s dynamic growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Saudi cricketers to develop,” he said.

“In the coming years we will be hosting DP World ILT20 tournament matches in ��������. From next year, a development tournament will also be staged there, which will provide an excellent opportunity to the local talent to make a claim for the main event. The league will also help �������� in cricketing infrastructure development.”

Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 will kick off on Dec. 2, with six teams competing across 34 matches before the final on Jan. 4, 2026.