Building a Champion Nation: Saudi Arabia’s Involvement in the 2024 Olympics and Beyond

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics stands apart as a powerful testament to the nation’s strategic investment in its youth, as the Kingdom’s delegation, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, showcased the fruits of a determined effort to promote and cultivate a culture of athletic excellence. Included in the lineup is the presence of young female athletes like Mashael Al Ayed, the first Saudi woman to compete in Olympic swimming, and Taekwondo champion Donia Abu Taleb, who secured her place in the 49kg and under division, which underscores the nation’s commitment to gender equality and empowering Saudi women. The competitors who appeared on the Parisian platform are more than just people; they represent a progressing nation that has made multi-disciplinary maneuvers to make its imprint in the world of sport. Through their displays, they have sparked feelings of national pride and togetherness among the citizens of Saudi Arabia, proving that given the appropriate support and chances, young Saudis can achieve global success.

The Kingdom has poured substantial resources into recruiting and progressing a new, broadening generation of athletes across a spectrum of sporting events (including the Olympics). The exact figures are difficult to pinpoint due to the inclusion of various government initiatives and private sponsorships, but the overall investment is undoubtedly substantial. While the immediate impact of the Paris Olympics on Saudi Arabia’s economy may appear limited compared to hosting it in one’s home country, the long-term implications are promising. By investing in its youth and leveraging the global stage, the Kingdom is positioning itself for a future where sports are not just a source of national pride but a significant economic driver. This investment is not without reason. The Olympic stage offers an unparalleled platform for national branding as Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster its economic diversity and shed its oil-dependent image, projecting it as a modern, dynamic, and forward-thinking nation. Participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s strategic investment in its youth, extending beyond mere athletic prowess; it’s a calculated economic play for soft power and long-term returns.

Speaking of Saudi Arabian involvement in the 2024 Olympics, let’s not forget about the announcement of the first-ever Esports Olympic Games that will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2025. In July (2024), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that it had formed a partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia with the aim of organizing the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025 within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which consequentially was decided unanimously during the 142nd session of the IOC. A strengthened relationship with the IOC will prove to be mutually beneficial, especially since it has been no secret that the Kingdom has shown great interest in hosting the Olympics in the future.