RIYADH: As part of a three-year partnership signed in January 2025 with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, sports equipment manufacturer Asics has announced a new competition aimed at delivering business solutions in the sports industry.
Asics Ventures is looking to accelerate innovation in sports through investment in and collaboration with cutting-edge technology startups globally. So far, Asics Ventures has hosted six accelerator programs in Japan, Europe, and India over the past seven years and has established many networks and invested in startups around the world.
Now, it is set to expand into the region by welcoming the SFA as a co-hosting partner of its newest pitch event, titled “Asics Innovation Pitch in Collaboration with the Saudi Sports for All Federation.” The connection is accepting proposals from Saudi startups until July 30.
“The Saudi Sports for All Federation is proud to work closely with Asics Ventures to enrich the sports ecosystem in the Kingdom,” said Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, president of the SFA. “We are looking for digital business solutions that cater to the sports segment. SFA has a good relationship with Asics, and we are proud to build on this with our latest collaborative program
“The SFA is mandated to work with private sector partners, and our work with Asics shows that these partnerships can be structured to generate and support real-world solutions applied here in our country,” he added.
The SFA had entered into a three-year strategic partnership agreement with Asics KSA, the Saudi subsidiary of the Japanese multinational sportswear corporation, to prioritize sport as a key contributor to the Saudi economy.
The agreement was signed by Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, SFA managing director, on behalf of the federation and Yohei Takahashi, general manager of Asics KSA, in the presence of senior representatives from the two entities.
Under the terms of the agreement, SFA and Asics will collaborate on hosting sports initiatives and promoting health and fitness efforts across Ƶ in line with Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the quality of life for Saudi citizens and residents.
Al-Husseini commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Asics, a global leader whose dedication to the value of sports matches our vision. This partnership enables us to elevate the experience of participants across the Kingdom by bringing world-class expertise and resources to our grassroots initiatives.
“Our collaboration with Asics underscores our commitment to increasing physical activity and creating unparalleled opportunities for the community and sports enthusiasts,” she added.
“Together, we will inspire and support communities throughout Ƶ to embrace a more active and healthier lifestyle, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”
