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RIYADH: ������Ƶ’s Paralympian Abdulrahman Al-Qurashi, a gold medalist last year in Paris, has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s growing global stature in sports and culture.

While recently training in Poland for the World Para Athletics Championship in New Delhi, Al-Qurashi received an invitation to walk the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events.

“Representing the Kingdom at a global festival like Venice is a responsibility and a great honor. Our nation deserves to be represented in all arenas, whether sports or culture. My presence in Venice was a message in this regard,” Al-Qurashi said.

His presence in Venice was more than ceremonial. It came amidst intense international preparation, demonstrating that Saudi athletes can serve as ambassadors across multiple domains.

The combination of training in Poland and walking the red carpet in Venice, shows just how far Al-Qurashi has come in recent years.

Before Venice, the 27-year-old had already cemented his legacy in sports history. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, he became the first Saudi athlete to claim a gold medal in the 100-meter wheelchair race, clocking a personal best of 14.48 seconds.

“The victory was not just a personal moment, but the result of institutional support from the Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports, along with a fully Saudi team standing behind me,” he said.

The Paris gold was more than just a one-off athletic achievement for Al-Qurashi.

It represented a shift in ������Ƶ’s approach to Paralympic sports, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering talent, empowering individuals with disabilities, and positioning the Kingdom’s team as a competitive force internationally.

For young Saudis with disabilities, Al-Qurashi’s accomplishment is a beacon of inspiration.

“Nothing is impossible today. Set a goal and a clear plan, and you will find everyone supporting you until you reach it,” he said, addressing aspiring athletes.

His path to the podium required extraordinary discipline. Al-Qurashi follows a structured daily routine: early nights, morning and evening training sessions, and a carefully monitored diet.

A ������Ƶ support team, including coaches, nutritionists, medical staff, and administrators, ensures that every element of preparation is optimized for performance.

Al-Qurashi’s commitment to excellence extends beyond personal achievement.

While preparing for the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championship in Poland, he also embraced opportunities to represent ������Ƶ in international cultural forums, blending athletic prowess with diplomatic and cultural engagement.

Looking ahead, Al-Qurashi is focused on the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro in October, regional competitions, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where he aims to replicate his Paris success.

“What we achieved in Paris is part of a longer journey. The future will be even greater, God willing, and Saudi sports will continue to be present at the highest levels,” he said.

Al-Qurashi’s story is emblematic of a broader transformation in Saudi sports. The Kingdom is moving from symbolic participation to producing athletes who can excel on the world stage, enhancing national pride while demonstrating ������Ƶ’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

His dual achievements — athletic success and cultural representation — challenge traditional narratives about the role of athletes.

By participating in Venice while maintaining rigorous training abroad, he illustrates that athletes can embody both excellence in competition and ambassadorship in global cultural forums.

Leadership and institutional support have played a pivotal role in his success.

Al-Qurashi credits the Saudi Paralympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports, and his coaching team for creating an environment where excellence is possible.

Their guidance, coupled with his dedication, allowed him to balance international competition, cultural representation, and personal preparation seamlessly.

From the gold medal podium in Paris to the glittering red carpet of Venice, Al-Qurashi’s journey reflects the intersection of ambition, discipline, and national pride.

He stands as a symbol of what determination and institutional support can achieve, inspiring a new generation of athletes and redefining the global perception of sports in ������Ƶ.

DUBAI: Coach Mike Hesson has told his Pakistan team to “focus on the job” in Sunday's highly charged Asia Cup clash with arch-rivals India.

The match in Dubai is the first time that the neighbours will have met in cricket since a brief but deadly border conflict in May and emotions will be running high.

The New Zealander Hesson said Thursday: “I guess, from my perspective, just like any time you enter a match, whether it be a final of a world event or whatever, it’s about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand and that'll be no different on the weekend.”

The eight-nation Twenty20 tournament began on Tuesday with Afghanistan beating Hong Kong by 94 runs. India crushed hosts the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets on Wednesday.

Pakistan begin their campaign against Oman on Friday, but all the talk is already of world champions India two days later.

“We know that India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so in terms of how well they've played,” Hesson said of the Asia Cup holders, who skittled UAE for just 57 in 13.1 overs.

India cruised to victory in just 4.3 overs.

Since winning the World Cup last year they have won 18 of their 21 T20Is.

Hesson is excited to be part of a blockbuster, which will be watched by a packed stadium in Dubai and hundreds of millions of television viewers.

“Look, I’ve certainly watched many games from afar, so certainly being on the other side of the fence, I guess, being right and amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” he added.

Pakistan enter the Asia Cup with a tri-series win in the UAE also involving Afghanistan and UAE, and confidence is growing.

“We're very much focused on improving as a team, sort of day by day, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” said Hesson.

India, Pakistan, Oman and UAE are in Group A while Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh form Group B.

The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the Super Four stage. The top two teams will then play the September 28 final in Dubai.